16 young people charged as police crunch down on property crime in Katherine

Police in Katherine said the three-day operation this week targeted property offending in the town’s CBD.

Katherine police increased patrols in the CBD and investigated recent crimes. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Police in Katherine have charged 16 youths with property-related offences saying they are targeting those who are putting the community’s sense of safety at risk.

Over the course of three days this week, Katherine police and partner agencies carried out an operation targeting CBD reports of property offending.

Between Wednesday, October 15, and Friday, October 17, police Social Order teams and Circuit Breaker and the Kalano Community Association carried out patrols in the town.

More than 38 young people were “engaged with” with many of them then reconnected with family or responsible adults.

Several recent burglaries, stolen motor vehicles, breach of bail and associated offences were also investigated by Strike Force Cerberus which resulted in 16 youths being arrested and charged with a total of 40 offences.

These offences include aggravated burglary and robbery, theft, being armed with an offensive weapon, damage to property and driving, using or riding a vehicle without consent.

Acting Sergeant, Rebekah Styles, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to increase community safety and reduce property crime.

“Police continue to work closely with the community to identify and apprehend those responsible for offending behaviour,” she stated.

“When people commit property offences, they undermine the sense of safety for Katherine residents, create unnecessary financial strain for local businesses, and negatively impact the community.

“If you choose to engage in this behaviour, Strike Force Cerberus will be knocking on your door.”