Katherine Police would like to remind Katherine residents to be vigilant about home security following a number of unlawful entries in the month of November.
This month alone, there has been 13 unlawful entries at residential properties, nine of which were unlocked. The majority of stolen property was limited to small items however a silver coloured BMW Mini Cooper with Northern Territory registration CD78CL was stolen from one of the residences on 23 November. The vehicle has not yet been recovered and police are asking anyone that sees the vehicle to contact police.
There has also been nine commercial unlawful entries in Katherine since 1 November. Most property offenders gained access to the commercial premises’ by damaging the buildings and forcing entry.
Superintendent Daniel Shean encourages Katherine residents to work with police to deter property crime and protect assets.
“Katherine residents can find a great source of information on home security at the Neighbourhood Watch NT website. Additionally, Katherine business owners are encouraged to take advantage of the BizSecure grant, a program provided by the Northern Territory Government which helps eligible businesses improve their security against the risk of break-ins.”
“Katherine Police have been liaising with the community in effort to lessen break-ins. We continue to achieve excellent results in the space of property crime prevention and reduction through Operation Pelion, established to target commercial unlawful entries in Katherine.”
“In one instance, police arrested and charged a 16-year-old Katherine male with 12 counts of unlawful entry, 13 counts of stealing, five counts of trespass and three counts of criminal damage on 22 November. He will appear in Katherine Local Court on 29 November 2019. Investigations are still ongoing in relation to those incidents and further offenders are expected to be arrested.”
“Separately, two businesses on Katherine Terrace sustained damage to glass windows on the night of Friday 22 November. Operation Pelion members have identified a 17-year-old Katherine female as the person believed to be responsible for the damage to both locations. She will be dealt with in accordance with the Youth Justice Act.”
Anyone with information on crime in Katherine, particularly property offending, is encouraged to contact police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
