NT Police target 40 Darwin youths as crimes against the person rises across all NT regions

The latest crime statistics, released today by NT Police, reveal crime against the person has jumped 25 per cent over the last 12 months

THE latest crime statistics, released Friday by NT Police, reveal crime against the person has jumped 25 per cent across the Territory when compared to the previous 12 months.

Police have also been working on dealing with a rise of youth on the streets in the Darwin and Palmerston area, who are doing things that “they perhaps shouldn’t”.

NT Police Commander Matt Hollamby addresses media. Picture: Justin Kennedy

NT Police Commander Matt Hollamby said a pool of about 40 youths were up at all hours of the night roaming the streets.

He said police were working with Territory Families and the Education Department to help get the kids back on track.

“They have been riding public buses, and on a couple of occasions that got up to no good and we work quickly to identify those instances and deal with them,” he said.

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He was hopeful last weekend’s operation had had a positive impact on the number of roaming youth.

“We will be out tonight, looking to engage with youth. If they’re there, we will be looking to engage with them, and make an assessment of their individual needs,” he said.

In Palmerston, assaults rose 49.32 per cent year on year to June 30 while DV related assaulted jumped a whopping 66.98 per cent.

In Darwin assaults rose 34.89 per cent and DV assaults rose 50.44 per cent.

Cdr Hollamby said domestic violence had remained high for a period of time and was a concern for police.

“The figures have come down, but any assault on a family member is unacceptable, and we urge the community if you’re one of those assailants, get help, because you need it, and if you don’t, we’re more than happy to prosecute you,” he said.

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