37 youths charged after three-month crime crackdown across Darwin and Palmerston

Thirty-seven youths have been charged for a range of offences in a three-month crime crackdown across Darwin and Palmerston.

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A THREE-month youth crime crackdown across Darwin and Palmerston has resulted in 189 charges of stealing and more across 37 youths.

The youth crime spree, held between January and March, occurred after Strike Force Trident detectives identified a “large group of emerging youth property offenders” in December.

“Over the course of three months, a total of 110 cases were taken on by Trident,” NT Police said.

“Thirty-seven youth offenders, aged between 10 and 16, were identified and prosecuted or diverted in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.

“A total of 198 prosecution/diversion files were submitted for the 37 youths.”

The offences include the 189 counts of stealing, 12 counts of unlawful entry, 15 counts of property damage and 37 counts of obtaining benefit by deception.

Of the 37 youth offenders, 12 were referred to Youth Diversion and have not reoffended.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland congratulated his members for their hard work throughout the operation. ‘

“A significant number of man hours was spent investigating these youths, in between all the other jobs ordinarily managed by Trident,” he said.

“Our members will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our community.”

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