NT Police: 199 arrests, 2300+ breath tests in Katherine anti-social behaviour crackdown

Seven weeks in, NT Police have highlighted a significant start to Operation Oxley in Katherine. Find out the details.

NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro visited the Katherine Police Station last month to discuss Operation Oxley. Picture: Supplied

Nearly 200 people have been arrested in Katherine as part of NT Police’s Operation Oxley, an initiative aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and property crime.

Operation Oxley, which commenced with the Katherine Division on December 2 last year, has achieved significant results for the community in its first seven weeks.

In total, 199 arrests have been made under the operation, as well as 833 Task Coordination Group patrols, an NT Police spokeswoman said.

Twenty-Eight random breath testing stations have been established, with 2337 breath tests completed; as well as 243 traffic apprehensions, 72 traffic infringement notices issued, 65 licensed premises patrols, and about 851 litres of liquor destroyed.

Katherine Police Station. Picture: Alex Treacy

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro visited Katherine last month to meet with local police officers and to talk more about Operation Oxley.

“While on the ground in Katherine … I spoke with frontline officers about the challenges they face and the opportunities to reduce crime and address its root causes,” she said.

“Our police are working tirelessly, and I thank them for their dedication to serving and protecting Territorians.

“Our government is committed to supporting the police with the powers and resources they need, following eight long years of neglect.”

Operation Oxley has recently been bolstered by additional officers who were transitioned out of Central Australia after South Australian police came to assist crime concerns in Alice Springs.