Eight weeks of targeted policing through Operation Ventura has coincided with reductions across several key crime categories, with the latest crime statistics showing encouraging results in many parts of the Northern Territory.
Since Operation Ventura commenced on 18 May 2026, police have maintained a highly visible presence across the Palmerston Region to deter anti-social behaviour and improve community safety.
During the operation, police:
• Arrested 118 offenders
• Tipped out 2431 litres of alcohol
• Conducted 3896 high-visibility patrols
• Issued 43 infringements
• Seized 25 weapons
• Issued 375 Banned Drinker Orders
The latest crime statistics show a positive trend across many of the offences that impact Territorians, when comparing the 12 months ending May 2026 with the 12 months ending May 2025.
Across the Territory, domestic violence offences have fallen by 13%, assaults are down 10% and sexual assaults have decreased by 12%. House break-ins have reduced by 24%, commercial break-ins are down 29% and motor vehicle theft has fallen by 23%.
The Greater Darwin Region recorded substantial decreases in several offence categories, including a 29% reduction in house break-ins, a 50% reduction in commercial break-ins and a 19% reduction in motor vehicle theft.
Alice Springs also recorded significant improvements, with assaults down 18%, sexual assaults down 21% and motor vehicle theft reduced by 50%.
While the figures are encouraging, police acknowledge there are still areas of concern, with increases in offences including robbery, domestic violence and motor vehicle theft recorded in some locations, including Palmerston, Katherine and Tennant Creek. Police will continue to target these trends through proactive, intelligence-led policing.
Acting Commander Kirsten Engels said the statistics reflected the proactive approach of police officers working across the Territory.
"Operation Ventura was established to provide an intensive response to offending and antisocial behaviour, and over the past eight weeks our officers have increased police visibility and targeted those responsible for crime.
"The latest crime figures are encouraging and show reductions across many of the offences that have the greatest impact on everyday Territorians, particularly break-ins, assaults and motor vehicle theft.
"Importantly, these results are not the end of the work.
"While we welcome these reductions, we know there remain areas where offending has increased, and one victim is one too many. Police will continue to focus our efforts where they are needed most.
"Operation Ventura was always intended to be a short-term surge operation. As it concludes, the Territory Safety Division will continue this important work, maintaining a strong and visible presence in our community and working to prevent crime and improve public safety."
