Police target trouble areas in three-day campaign

POLICE officers stood in front of bottle shops across Darwin and patrols at known anti-social behaviour hot spots increased as the three-day crackdown on crime started

Operation Exstrom kicked off today with police and related services cracking down on anti-social behaviour across the Top End. Larrakia Nation Host Patrollers Willy May and Yasmin Good and Host program co-ordinator David Kurnoth (centre) are working to help get people from country home. Photograph: Che Chorley

POLICE officers stood in front of bottle shops across Darwin and patrols at known anti-social behaviour hot spots increased as the three-day crackdown on crime started on Wednesday.

Police began operation Exstrom with a high-visibility presence at Vesteys Beach, East Point and Mindil Beach targeting alcohol- fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.

It is hoped the operation, which wraps up tomorrow, will forge the way to create long-term change within the community.

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Larrakia Nation are working alongside NT Police on the operation and want to educate visitors to Larrakia Country on expectations and protocols.

During the operation people purchasing alcohol in Darwin have to prove they are residents of Darwin or reside at a legitimate address in the city.

Acting Commander Antony Deutrom said the operation would target alcohol supply and the anti-social behaviour that came from problem drinking. He said people from remote communities came to Darwin for various reasons but sometimes found themselves stuck and falling into habits of drinking.

Superintendent Antony Deutrom is working on Operation Exstrom. PICTURE: Che Chorley

He said they were working with other agencies to help people from communities stuck in Darwin to get home.

“We’re trying to identify and locate people who might be suffering some issues with alcohol and trying to engage with them to see if we can offer them support services,” A/Cdr Deutrom said.

“So it’s important that when we are identifying those people that we’re doing referrals to appropriate support services, whether it be remote clinics and or rehab services in the Greater Darwin area.”

Larrakia Nation chief executive Robert Cooper said they had just signed a deal with the federal and Territory governments to return stranded people to country who would not otherwise be able to afford it. To date, 10 people have been flown home through the scheme.

Larrakia Country host program co-ordinator David Kurnoth said they had noticed a lot of new people in town who may not know cultural protocols. Mr Kurnoth said they were preparing a campaign to help visitors understand what was expected of them.

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“We have no problem with them coming into town and having fun when they’re in town and doing stuff. As long as they do it lawfully, respectfully, and they acknowledge us,” he said.

A/Cdr Deutrom said alcohol abuse had a flow-on effects for families.

“A disruptive family with alcohol involved to excessive levels impacts families, impacts households – that has an impact on school attendance, that has impact on behaviours by young people,” he said.

Both A/Cdr Deutrom and Larrakia Nation say the public can’t expect an immediate change following the conclusion of the operation.

Mr Kurnoth said: “We’ve got to persist with these types of operations to make a long-term change.”