NT CLP Government to introduce stand-alone ram raid offence

A Darwin supermarket has welcomed new laws after the store was allegedly targeted in a ram raid, which caused thousands of dollars worth of damage. WATCH THE VIDEO.

Territorians found guilty of ram raids could spend up to 10 years behind bars as the government moves to make it a stand-alone offence.

Moil Supermarket owner Pradeep Palanisamy welcomed the new laws after his business was allegedly targeted by a group of youths who broke in using a stolen car on Friday.

Moil Supermarket owner Pradeep Palanisamy has welcomed new ram raid laws in the Northern Territory, after suffering thousands of dollars in damage in a ram raid last week. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The group allegedly took alcohol and cash, leaving Mr Palinasamy with a hefty damage bill.

“The loss might be $20,000 or $30,000 just to fix the shed, out back and inside, but the amount of stress we’ve gone through – it’s more than that,” he said.

Moil Supermarket already has bollards at the front and heavy gates protecting alcohol stocks inside, and will now install bollards at the back gate.

“I’m happy for stealing, but (damaging) things, robbing, is a bit hard,” Mr Palinasamy said.

Moil Supermarket has moved heavy boulders to the back entrance to serve as temporary bollards after being targeted in a ram raid last week. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Mr Palinasamy’s acceptance of nonviolent offending highlighted the “level of the crime crisis” in the NT.

“This is why the CLP is here, our job is to make sure we reduce crime,” she said.

“The next fortnight in parliament is critical, it is our opportunity to reframe the law in the Territory and make sure that we put the rights of people to be safe above the rights of offenders.”

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro will make ram raids a stand-alone offence. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The ram raid legislation being introduced on Tuesday will allow police to charge offenders who have stolen a vehicle and used it as a weapon to damage property or gain entry to a building.

Under current laws there is no specific ram raid offence, police instead relying on a combination of theft, dangerous driving, and damage to property laws.

“This is inefficient, and it doesn’t send a strong and clear enough message specifically relating to ram raids,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

The new offence is one of an “enormous legislative agenda” the CLP will push through when parliament resumes next week.

NT Police confirmed four boys aged between 13 and 15 were arrested in relation to the alleged Moil ram raid.

They were all remanded over the weekend and have since appeared in court.

Two were bailed and two remain on remand.

The stolen Mitsubishi Pajero used in the incident has since been recovered.

Originally published as NT CLP Government to introduce stand-alone ram raid offence