NT Police arrest 24-year-old Jingili man on several child exploitation offences

Police have raided a Darwin man’s home and seized his phones while charging him with several child exploitation offences. Here’s what police said.

Police have arrested a 24-year-old man on a number of child exploitation charges, including two counts of procuring a child under 16 for sex.

The joint anti-child exploitation team raided the man’s Jingili home on Friday, seizing several mobile devices.

Officers allege the man was engaging in indecent conversations with children under the age of 16.

He was charged with two counts of procuring a child under 16 for sexual activity as well as possessing and accessing child abuse material obtained via a carriage service and transmitting an indecent communication to a child.

The man was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday.

The JACET team is continuing to investigate, with further charges expected.

Police have urged parents to review their child’s online activity and visit www.esafety.gov.au for online safety tips.

Anyone who has information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an online report at www.accce/gov.au/report

Police dog chases down serial-offender in Katherine

Police in Katherine have arrested an 18-year-old man wanted for his involvement in a domestic violence incident and serious property offences.

Police issued a statement Monday afternoon saying it had successfully apprehended the man despite his best efforts to avoid capture.

“The man had been actively avoiding police on multiple occasions going to great effort and self-risk, including swimming across the Katherine river, running through residential yards on various occasions and initiating vehicle pursuits, all while continuing to allegedly commit offences,” a police statement said.

Senior Constable Matthew Houghagen and Daly part of the NT Police Dog Squad. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The statement said police dog Daly and his handler assisted Katherine police with a co-ordinated arrest plan.

Upon arrival at the scene, the man fled through the community with Daly picking up the man’s scent through nearby scrubland, a dried creek bed and thick grass through a second creek bed, where the man laid low before being tracked by the police dog.

The man was signalled to stop however he attempted to run when the police dog apprehended him, and he was arrested by the dog’s handler.

The man is expected to be charged on Monday, where he will face court at the next available date.

Katherine Sergeant Andrew Thomson said the arrest showed the capacity of NT Police to detain wanted suspects.

“This was a successful arrest and great demonstration of different police units working together to bring the individual involved to justice, despite his attempts to avoid police,” he said.

Significant damage to Katherine bank in burglary

A group of alleged burglars has targeted a Katherine bank branch over the weekend, making off with a number of items.

Detectives are seeking witnesses after the group was seen entering the building on Katherine Terrace about 10pm.

The group allegedly caused significant damage to the building and stole several items before fleeing the scene when police arrived.

Katherine’s property crime unit, Strike Force Cerberus, are investigating and have called for anyone with information to come forward, quoting reference number 10420696.

Police calling for witnesses to alleged Anula knife attack

A man is in hospital after being assaulted with a knife in Anula over the weekend.

At 12.30am on Saturday the 32-year-old was allegedly assaulted by multiple people armed with weapons near the intersection of Lee Point Rd and Yanyula Dr.

One member of the group allegedly attacked the man with a knife before they fled the scene.

The man was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.

Detectives from the Major Crime Squad are calling for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information relating to the alleged attack to come forward, and quote reference number 10418840.

City of Darwin’s snap Friday arvo swimming hole closure

Lake Alexander was closed to the public on Friday. Picture Glenn Campbell

Lake Alexander at East Point has been temporarily closed for swimming after a pump malfunctioned prompting water quality concerns.

City of Darwin released a statement Friday afternoon saying the closure was effective immediately.

The statement said City of Darwin would continue to monitor the situation and open the lake again as soon as possible. It said further testing would take place on Tuesday.

City of Darwin said it was committed to maintaining the “highest environmental practices” to protect community and environment.

It’s not clear when the broken unit will be fixed.

“City of Darwin apologises for any inconvenience,” the statement said.

In April 2022 the popular weekend visitor spot was closed for a fortnight after reports a “monster” had entered the water. Originally believed to be a 1m shark, two metre long milkfish and two barramundi were pulled out.

Council will advise when the freshwater lake will reopen.

Spears, crossbows, machetes used during week of community unrest

NT Police have launched an investigation following reports of fighting between family groups on Groote Eylandt involving up to 150 people armed with spears, crossbows and machetes.

Commander Kylie Anderson said officers had responded to ”a series of large disturbances” in Angurugu in the past week, with three men taken to hospital suffering cuts from edged weapons.

All three were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital in a stable condition.

Commander Anderson said the fighting had since calmed thanks to the combined efforts of police and local peacemakers, with additional resources deployed.

“A joint investigation with Major Crime will be undertaken regarding the serious injuries that resulted from the fighting,” she said.

“Meetings with Traditional Owners, Elders and family groups are occurring to reinforce to all that violence towards others is simply not acceptable and to bring an end to the current issues.

“The safety of the community and our members will always be our priority.”