Operation Saturitas launched to combat summer spike in property and alcohol-related offences

With the latest crime statistics bearing grim news, police are warning residents to prepare for an increase in crime as temperatures climb in the Red Centre.

POLICE are warning Alice Springs residents to prepare for an increase in crime as temperatures climb in the Red Centre.

For the summer period, when crime trends are traditionally higher, police will launch a new strategy, Operation Saturitas, to combat the predicted spike in property and alcohol-related offences.

That’s on top of the presence of Strikeforce Viper, a specialist team of 19 officers targeting property crime.

It comes as new crime statistics paint a grim picture for the town of 30,000 people.

House break-ins in Alice Springs increased by more than 60 per cent in the year ending August 31, when compared to the previous 12 months. Commercial break-ins also rose by more than a third.

There were 1,879 assaults recorded over the 12 month period, which includes 1,149 domestic violence related assaults.

That equates to 157 assaults reported each month, on average.

Superintendent Antony Deutrom said NT Police were planning for the summer period.

Superintendent Antony Deutrom. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

“Operation Saturitas spans for four months and will see resources deployed to areas in which anti-social behaviour, youth related crime and property crime become an issue,” he said.

Supt Deutrom urged residents to ensure they take steps to secure their property at all times.

“In the past three months, 23 per cent of the unlawful entries were as a result of unsecured properties,” he said.

“Unfortunately we live in a time where if you don’t take the precautions to lock your door, you could become a victim of crime.

“The NT Police force will work alongside other government agencies to address ongoing issues including alcohol abuse, overcrowding in accommodation and general disturbances.”

Concerns have been raised over the effectiveness of the Banned Drinker Register, established in 2017, which requires customers to present their ID when purchasing takeaway alcohol, and prevents sales to those who appear on the register due to a court ordered ban. Alcohol-related assaults decreased by one per cent (four assaults) in Alice Springs, but rocketed 37 per cent in Tennant Creek.

Follow @leesaulrobinson 

  

Originally published as Operation Saturitas launched to combat summer spike in property and alcohol-related offences