Police Minister Nicole Manison fronts up over crime concerns in Alice

THE Deputy Chief Minister and Police Minister has flown to the Red Centre to front a growing wave of frustration from the community about crime

DEPUTY Chief Minister and Police Minister Nicole Manison has flown to the Red Centre to front a growing wave of frustration from the community about crime.

It comes after Chief Minister Michael Gunner flew to Alice Springs last week but did not meet with locals on the issue of crime.

Ms Manison, speaking with media out the front of the Alice Springs Police Station said they were listening to the public.

MORE TOP NEWS

Darwin petrol prices jump by up to 10 cents per litre in three days

NT crime figures: The most common offences being committed

Independent risk assessment revealed infrastructure concerns months before mass breakout

“We have got parliamentary sittings coming up, and we’re looking forward to introducing new ringleader legislation which is again going to help further target those who recruit young people into crime, with penalties and consequences there for them,” she said.

She said they were also looking at strengthening legislation around property offences.

“For us it’s about how can we prevent crime,” she said.

“And if somebody does go and commit crime, how do we make sure that the right consequences are in place for them. Hence why we’re out there reviewing property offences, right now, to make sure that they are contemporary and meeting the expectations of the community.”

She thanked the efforts of the newly created Strike Force Viper for helping to tackle crime in the region.

“It is great that the Commissioner established them as a permanent Strike Force in Alice Springs that’s made a huge impact on the ground since they’ve been established and is still continuing to get very strong results,” she said.

$1 FOR ALL YOUR NEWS? HERE’S HOW: Sign up now to our amazing deal of $1 for 28 days

Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker is also in Alice Springs and said he had sent additional resources to Tennant Creek to help address the spike in property crime in the Barkly town.

“I’ve sent some additional resources down there at the moment to deal with some spike in property crime activity,” Mr Chalker said.

“We’re gathering the profiles … as it relates to those relevant recidivist offenders and those that we suspect may need further inquiry, we want to be able to nip that activity in the bud very quickly,” he said.