Alice Springs’ town pool shut as clean-up gets under way following break-in

A trail of damage and destruction has been left in the wake of a second break-in at the Alice Springs Aquatic Centre in the space of a week. SEE THE PHOTOS.

A TRAIL of damage and destruction has been left in the wake of a second break-in at the Alice Springs Aquatic Centre in the space of a week.

More than a dozen windows were smashed, computer equipment thrown into the pool, and graffiti strewn across the walls and floor in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Phones and computer equipment was thrown into the pool. Picture: Supplied.

The aquatic centre will remain shut until at least Saturday while clean-up gets under way, with management estimating the damage to run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Programs co-ordinator Samantha Williams said break-ins at the town pool – an almost weekly occurrence – were endlessly frustrating.

The first aid room was trashed. Picture: Lee Robinson

“This one is by far the worst in a long time,” she said.

“It’s disappointing that such an important part of Alice Springs community life is being impacted.

“So many different user groups come to the pool for various reasons for their health and wellbeing, and now they’re missing out.”

Graffiti was strewn across the walls and floor. Picture: Lee Robinson

Mayor Matt Paterson said he would continue advocating for the town in the wake of an escalating crime problem.

Cr Paterson said he would meet with newly minted Chief Minister Natasha Fyles next week to discuss the issue of crime.

“Alice Springs can’t take this anymore,” he said.

Man ‘threw’ unknown toddler at the ground, police say

NT Police are calling for witnesses after a man allegedly picked up a three-year-old child that was unknown to him and threw the toddler at the ground.

The incident was reported around 2.40pm on Wednesday near the Bath St taxi rank in Alice Springs.

Police say the child suffered cuts and bruising at a result of the incident.

Family of the child followed the 21-year-old man who left the area on foot before he was arrested by police near the Alice Springs Town Council lawns soon after.

Charges are yet to be laid.

The child was transported to the Alice Springs Hospital for observation.

Detectives from the Southern Criminal Investigation Branch are investigating the incident, and urge anyone who witnessed the assault to contact police on 131 444 or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Please reference 10010853.

21yo arrested for alleged random attack in shopping centre car park

NT Police have arrested a young man who allegedly attacked a woman in a shopping centre car park in a random daytime assault in Alice Springs.

Police say on Monday afternoon a 35-year-old woman was left bruised and in pain after she was assaulted by an unknown 21-year-old on her way into the shopping centre.

The male was identified and located on Tuesday by police walking along the Stuart Hwy south of the Gap.

Police say they have arrested the man and since charged him with one count of aggravated assault.

He was remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Wednesday.

Acting Superintendent Rob Engels said, “Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance in identifying the male.

“Police urge anyone who witnesses this sort of behaviour to contact police on 131 444 or in an emergency triple-0.”

Police searching for ‘reckless’ driver who fled crash scene

NT Police are calling for witnesses after a driver allegedly crashed into another vehicle during a reckless overtaking manoeuvre in Alice Springs before he and his passenger fled the scene.

Witnesses reported a road closure in The Gap early Wednesday morning. Picture: Supplied.

Police say around 4.50am on Wednesday a green Land Rover Freelander travelling outbound on the Tom Brown roundabout attempted to overtake road train and travelled across the inbound lane and onto the footpath.

It is alleged the Land Rover hit a retaining wall, ricocheting off before crashing into another vehicle travelling inbound.

The offending vehicle sideswiped the vehicle before driving in the outbound lane and crashing to a stop, police say.

Police say the driver and passenger of the offending vehicle then fled the scene on foot.

A 48-year-old man received non life threatening injuries as a result of the crash.

Police are calling for other road users who witnessed the incident, including the road train driver, to contact them in relation to the incident.

Watch Commander Snr Sgt Alistair Gall said the traffic crash was a frightening incident for everyone involved.

“It’s disappointing to see such reckless driving, there were a lot of people on their way to work, we encourage any of those road users who have dashcam or have information which would assist us in identifying the offending driver, to contact us,” he said.

Anyone with information which would assist with investigations is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and reference PROMIS number 10010498.