The Northern Territory Police Force has launched Operation Ludlow II, a ten-week planned police operation to address likely increased activity in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine.
Operation Ludlow II will run until early February 2026, with demand expected to peak during the school holiday period.
The community will see increased police engagement and high-visibility patrols, including at community events. Operation Ludlow II resources will be supported by Road Policing, the Dog Operations Unit, the Mounted Unit, the Fugitive Task Force, Strike Force Viper and a dedicated drone capability. Additional patrol capability will be delivered through ATVs, bicycles, motorbikes, foot and vehicle patrols.
Operation Ludlow II will target antisocial behaviour and alcohol-related offending, youth offending and property crime. The operation will be resourced with local police, including recently graduated officers from ARP Squad 4 and Recruit Squad 160.
Katherine's Strike Force Cerberus will continue to target recidivist offenders over this period, and the Safer Streets Patrols in Tennant Creek will deliver proactive, highly visible patrols supporting frontline general duties response activities as part of the operation. Local Tennant Creek police will be able call upon specialist support to deploy to the region to enhance their capacity if required.
A key component of the operation is collaboration with partner agencies, including DCF Engagement Officers, Public Housing Safety Officers, Lhere Artepe Traditional Owner Patrol Groups and Tangentyere Council Night Patrol in Alice Springs. In Katherine, police will be working closely with Liquor Licensing Inspectors and Kalano Community Patrol. In Tennant Creek, the police-led Interagency Tasking Coordination Group will continue to meet regularly to share information to address local community safety and antisocial behaviour issues in a collaborative approach.
Acting Superintendent Terry Simpson said, "We are building upon the success of last year's Operation Ludlow and have been planning for months to improve for the sequel.
"The public can expect to see high-visibility patrols, officers engaging with the community, visiting businesses, and patrolling the CBD and surrounding suburbs.
"We encourage our community members and visitors to stop our police officers for a chat, as the officers are there to serve and protect the community. Lastly, I ask that residents and visitors to the Territory enjoy the break and stay safe during the festive season."
