NT business want more police and tougher penalties to stop crime crisis

THE peak body representing Territory businesses has joined the chorus of people up in arms over the crime crisis

THE peak body representing Territory businesses has joined the chorus of people up in arms over the crime crisis, calling for more boots on the ground to combat out-of-control crime in Alice Springs.

The Chamber of Commerce NT, which represents 1200 members and more than 8000 employees, says those impacted by these crimes have a right to be angry.

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“Nowhere more so than the communities of Alice Springs and Tennant Creek, who are exposed to an unacceptable level of criminal behaviour on a daily basis,” chamber CEO Greg Ireland said.

Mr Ireland said the consequences faced by offenders were still insufficient.

“Critical to better outcomes will be more power for police to use, tougher sentencing options for young offenders such as boot camps and community work orders that will provide more timely outcomes and be effective in minimising reoffending,” he said.

“We also believe the NT government must review penalties for property crime to make sure crimes like break-ins and vehicle theft are properly punished and actively create reforms that give young people a better start at life to help break the cycle of crime.

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“The Chamber of Commerce condemns these acts against society and the resulting impacts on people, many of whom are heavily invested in serving the local community.”

Mr Ireland’s comments come at the same time as the NT Government’s announcement of a plan for the “toughest ever crackdown on youth crime in the NT”.