Northern Territory Police are actively working to address the increase in youth disturbances and anti-social behaviour in Darwin’s northern suburbs.
There has been a significant increase in youth disturbances and anti-social behaviour in the past two weeks. 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.
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.
Commander Matt Hollamby said, “NT Police are working closely with other Government agencies and stakeholders including the youths’ families to engage with the youths and address the behaviour.
“There is a core group of 15-20 youths involved, most are aged 10 to 14. 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.”
Police 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.
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 on 131 444. Anyone with CCTV or video of incidents is also encouraged to come forward.
