NT Police promise to commit more resources to fight youth crime wave in Darwin’s northern suburbs
POLICE are picking up some teens involved in the rise of anti-social behaviour in Darwin’s northern suburbs 10 times a night. It comes as the force has promised additional resources will be thrown at the soaring youth crime and anti-social behaviour problem.
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POLICE are picking up some teens involved in the rise of anti-social behaviour in Darwin’s northern suburbs 10 times a night.
NT Police has promised additional resources will be thrown at the soaring youth crime and anti-social behaviour problem.
It says a core group of 15-20 youths, most aged 10 to 14, are the main perpetrators.
Darwin Crime Watch and community pages have been flooded by angry residents detailing examples of property crime and acts of violence across the suburbs.
NT Police has issued a statement acknowledging what the public has been telling it: “There has been a significant increase in youth disturbances and anti-social behaviour.
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“NT Police are providing additional resources in the area 24 hours a day to enable a highly visible presence to prevent and deter these activities,” the statement said.
“Extensive patrols are conducted within the operation’s target areas including Casuarina Shopping Centre, service stations in the northern suburbs and local suburban shopping centres. “Most of the anti-social activity has been centred in the retail zones of Malak and Karama.”
NT Police Commander Matt Hollamby said police were working closely with other government agencies and stakeholders, including the youths’ families, to address the behaviour.
“There is a core group of 15-20 youths involved, most are aged 10 to 14,” he said.
“These youths are roaming the streets until the early hours of the morning.
“A majority of the same youths are moved on or conveyed home, sometimes more than 10 times a night.”
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Police said they liaise with Transit Security for real time information of youths crowding the bus exchanges and youths using the bus to go to various locations.
“Local service stations are attended and spoken to, along with Karama and Malak Shopping Centres’ security and contact details provided,” they said.
Strike Force Trident reports the following statistics in the past three weeks:
- 14 youths apprehended
- Three arrested
- 11 summons / diversion files submitted
- 47 charges laid
Members of the public witnessing anti-social or criminal behaviour are urged to report it to police on 131 444.
Anyone with CCTV or video of incidents is also encouraged to come forward.
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