Community group calls for proactive approach to address Karama, Malak crime problems

Crime and anti-social issues plaguing Malak and Karama won’t go away unless the core issues are addressed, a member of the local community voice group has said.

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CRIME and anti-social issues plaguing Malak and Karama won’t go away unless the core issues are addressed says a member of the Karama/Malak Community Voice Group.

Stephen Farrawell who heads the community group said dysfunctional families and drinking were the core issues to be addressed if long-term generational change was to occur.

Karama and Malak residents were for months in the grips of a youth crime crisis which prompted a police operation and stronger presence in the suburbs in March and April.

The situation reached tipping point when aerosols were stripped from shelves after youths turned to inhaling the contents.

Police have reported finding discarded fly spray cans which have been used for chroming.

Mr Farrawell said despite the police operations, crime and anti-social issues remained.

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“There’s been no real change, the issues continue, there’s been a few bandaid reactive responses but until they put in grassroots programs and interventions,” he said.

He called on the government to take on a justice reinvestment approach where money spent on the criminal justice system was directed into programs addressing the causes of crime.

NT Police Commander Matthew Hollamby said it was disturbing to find children sniffing volatile substances.

He said police would continue to monitor the situation.

“Karama has been in focus on and off for months now,” he said.

“We’re certainly not taking your eye off the ball, it is part of our routine activities but if it spikes again we’ll hit it pretty hard.”

Empty aerosol cans litter a Karama Park in March 2021. Picture Glenn Campbell

Karama MLA Ngaree Ah Kit said Neptune Security, police, council rangers and Larrakia Nation had made a positive impact in the neighbourhood.

“As the local member, I will always raise these issues when they come about, but local residents are reporting improvements,” Ms Ah Kit said.

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