NT Police urge for calm as unrest flares in Wadeye

Despite multiple arrests and car ramming, a senior police officer declares ‘positive results’ are already being observed.

The Wadeye police station has been rammed as authorities continue to combat crime in the troubled town.

On Wednesday, police issued a media release update on the situation south west of Darwin.

Police confirmed three children and three adults had been arrested in relation to ramming police vehicles and a police station.

A woman was arrested for allegedly assaulting police and a further two women were arrested for separate and unspecified incidents.

Roadblocks have also been successfully employed, with a tyre deflation device used to stop one driver who failed to pull over for police.

The driver was arrested for allegedly drunk driving and a large quantity of alcohol seized from the vehicle.

Further roadblocks in Adelaide River resulted in four vehicles stopped and a gram of methamphetamine seized.

Commander Brendan Muldoon hailed the “positive results”.

“Extensive collaboration with the community, aided by an increase in police resourcing, has already had some very positive results,” he said.

“Our roadblocks have been effective in disrupting the supply and distribution of illicit substances into the community, which we known fuels violence and anti-social behaviour.”

Commander Muldoon said his team would continue to work with other stakeholders.

“NT Police remain committed to working with the community, Elders, Traditional Owners and other government agencies to work towards a solution to these long running conflicts,” he said.

“Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour or violence is urged to contact police on 131 444 or triple zero in an emergency.”

Cop cars hit as Wadeye violence flares up

A remote Territory town is once again on the edge of chaos with violence in the streets and cars left in flames.

NT Police continue to urge for calm as community unrest flares up in Wadeye, 400km south west of Darwin.

On Tuesday Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said police were responding to a month-long escalation in violence in the troubled region.

NT Police continue to urge for calm as community unrest flares up in Wadeye, 400km south west of Darwin.

Mr Wurst confirmed that days of unrest had resulted in significant property damage in Wadeye, with police arresting “key perpetrators” at the centre of the violence.

“I’m aware that, not so much homes, but a number of wrecked vehicles had been set on fire over the last couple of days,” Mr Wurst said.

He said the charges ranged from assaults, domestic violence, property damage and attacks on cop cars.

While there have been reports of properties being attacked and people shot with arrows, Mr Wurst said the violence was not expected to escalate to the horrors of 2021 — where an estimated 500 people lost their homes and were forced to flee the town.

“We’re working very closely with the community to make sure that people can stay in their community,” Mr Wurst said.

Mr Wurst said rolling roadblocks made a “significant safety difference” by intercepting litres of alcohol, however there were still “ongoing challenges” for the community. Picture: Jason Walls

Mr Wurst said rolling roadblocks made a “significant safety difference” by intercepting litres of alcohol, however there were still “ongoing challenges” for the community.

Mr Wurst said a multi-agency meeting including community leaders, Traditional Owners, police and other government departments met on Tuesday to find “sustainable resolutions to that unrest”.

But Mr Wurst added that due to the level of violence, police were prepared to “tactically disengage” if they felt at risk.

“We’ve got to keep the community safe, but if we are hurt ourselves, we can’t do anything about that.”

He urged Wadeye residents to not damage cop cars, as “unfortunately, when you need them, and if you’ve hurt them, then they’re not going to be able to assist you”.

INITIAL DEC 30: Northern Territory police have reacted to ongoing unrest in the Wadeye community by deploying a special high-visibility unit to the town.

Five officers from the newly formed Territory Safety Division have been sent to the troubled community, which has been plagued with unrest for many years.

Officers will also conduct operations throughout the Daly region while travelling between Darwin and Wadeye.

It is the first deployment for the Territory Safety Division, which was announced earlier this month to provide a high visibility response to crime and anti-social behaviour across the Territory.

It is a test for the unit to see whether its high-visibility focus will be more effective than other high-visibility incursions cops have made to the troubled community about 400km west of Darwin.

Former chief minister Natasha Fyles, with Police Minister Brent Potter and Commissioner Michael Murphy at the Launch of the Territory Safety Division.

Wadeye community has been at the centre of gang disturbances and unrest for a number of years, with many community members fleeing to Darwin and Katherine for their own and their family’s safety.

Two days before Christmas police issued a statement saying officers had responded to several large disturbances in the remote community over the past month.

It said since December 2, police had received multiple reports of disturbances including large scale community fighting, domestic violence and the illegal supply of drugs and alcohol into the community.

They said on December 18 a 35-year-old man was struck in the arm with an arrow during a disturbance and that in multiple incidents following, four males were treated at the local clinic for non-life threatening injuries.

On December 19, police released details of up to 40 people fighting within the community with weapons.

A 35-year-old man suffered an arrow wound to his arm, believed to have been fired from a compound bow.

Police said in a statement at the time that “highly visible proactive police patrols” were taking place around the community.

Politicians and police have been at pains to bring order to Wadeye and the Daly region, which is home to a number of competing and conflicted tribes with long histories of mistrust.

NT Police commander Brendan Muldoon said police, local government agencies, elders and TOs were working to bring an end to community violence.

“Deep rooted familial conflicts and the supply of alcohol and illicit substances are fuelling the violence we have been responding to and steps are being taken to resolve these issues,” he said.

“The majority of residents within the community want to live in peace and we thank them for their continued support of the frontline workers.

“Police will continue to investigate and hold those involved in these disturbances to account.”