Catering Trucks NT shuts doors after knifepoint robbery

A Katherine business owner has made the tough decision to shut up shop, labelling crime in the town ‘out of control’. Read why she’s made the tough decision for her staff.

The owner of a Katherine business where an employee was allegedly robbed at knifepoint has been forced to close her doors because of “out of control” crime in the remote town.

A Catering Trucks NT employee was allegedly held at knifepoint at the Paraway Motel and robbed of about $1200 cash last Thursday.

She had arrived back from a trip in one of the business’ trucks which sell homemade meals around town and to remote communities including Binjari, Kalano and Rockhole up to six nights a week.

Bron Albanesi has been forced to close her business following a recent robbery. Picture: Supplied

Following the incident, Catering Trucks NT owner Bron Albanesi, who also owns the Paraway Motel in Katherine, said she had decided to stop operating the catering business because of safety concerns for her staff.

“I can’t operate in the environment that is surrounding Katherine,” Ms Albanesi said.

“I’ve got a duty of care.

“How can I put staff in that predicament? I want staff to stay.

“I definitely can’t put them in that position … I can’t put somebody at risk.”

Ms Albanesi, who has owned the Paraway Motel for around seven years, said crime in Katherine was the worst she had seen.

“It’s just out of control,” she said.

Catering Trucks NT has been forced to close its doors after an employee was allegedly robbed at knifepoint. Picture: Supplied

“It’s a struggle.”

On Friday, NT Police arrested a 16-year-old boy who allegedly robbed a Katherine business last Thursday armed with an edged weapon.

It is alleged he threatened an employee on Oshea Terrace with the weapon before stealing cash and fleeing the scene.

He was charged with aggravated robbery and was due to face court on Monday.

Ms Albanesi said the alleged offender had jumped on the back of the truck while it was moving before attacking the female employee once the truck had returned to the motel.

“I don’t know if she will come back,” she said.

Ms Albanesi’s business delivered to remote communities like Binjari.

“She’s not coming back any time soon that’s for sure.”

Ms Albanesi was unsure if she would reopen her business and was still “picking up the pieces” after the incident.

Katherine Mayor Lis Clark said the anti-social behaviour in the town was an issue that required government and non-government agency attention.

Katherine Mayor Lis Clark says property damage in the town has worsened in recent weeks. Picture: Supplied

“At the moment there has been quite a bit of damage occurring in town,” Ms Clark said.

“We need to mitigate these things before they happen, not after they happen.

“The damage is worse than we’ve seen.”

She said measures were being put in place to address the behaviour in town including the work of the Katherine Community Engagement and Support Reference Group, which was established in recent years and is chaired by Katherine police officers.

“We need everyone on board with this,” she said.