Northern Territory Police in Alice Springs are calling on parents, guardians and families to be responsible and know where their children are following an increase in youth disturbances and antisocial behaviour in the CBD.
Police responded to several reports of young people causing disturbances across the town centre, along with a number of unlawful entries last night, Northern Territory Police say.
Acting Commander Bradley Currie said police have observed an increase in youth of all ages loitering around the CBD after dark.
"Our officers responded to multiple requests to move on youth roaming the street and causing disturbances overnight, much to the frustration of our officers," said A/Commander Currie.
"NT Police are working closely with other government and non-government agencies through a sustained multi-agency approach to prevent youth crime and antisocial behaviour."
"Officers are also labouring tirelessly to identify, prosecute or divert those responsible for crimes committed, however members are disappointed by an apparent lack of parental supervision."
Police will launch Operation Carina in the lead up to summer and the October school holidays.
"Officers are working in unity with relevant stakeholders to prevent youth crime and antisocial behaviour in our town," said A/Commander Currie
"We’re calling on businesses to enforce the ‘No School, No Service’ campaign before and after the holidays, to encourage children to engage with education and remain on campus where they should be throughout the day,"
"Police need the help of the community. Regardless of the time of year, we’re also calling on parents, guardians and family members to make sure they know where their children are, what they are doing and that they aren’t wandering the streets at night."
From Term 4, the School Based Policing program is being rolled out across the Northern Territory. Police are working with the Centralian Middle School, which will serve as a hub for engaging with students and the broader school community in the Alice Springs area.
During Op Carina, officers from the Youth and Community Engagement Team and Detectives from Strike Force Winx will continue proactive prevention and enforcement measures throughout the CBD during the day and night.
"I encourage members of the community to report youth disturbances and suspicious behaviour to police," said A Commander Currie.
In the event on an emergency people can call 000 (triple zero) or 131 444 for non-emergencies. Otherwise contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
