Media release

Strike Force Viper - Weekly wrap

Police

Five people are currently assisting police with inquiries in relation to an unlawful entry of a licensed premises in Alice Springs earlier this week.

CCTV captured six people unlawfully entering a building on Traeger Avenue just after 2am on Thursday.

Once inside the premises the group has failed to access alcohol and fled the scene shortly after.

Investigations conducted by Strike Force Viper identified an 18-year-old man, who was issued with a Notice to Appear and a 15-year-old male, who will be dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.

Three males aged 17, 17 and 14-years-old are currently assisting police with their inquiries in relation to this incident.

In the seven day period of 29 January to 5 February, Strike Force Viper has made four arrests and has summonsed five people to appear before court for criminal offences in Alice Springs.

  • A 18-year-old man was arrested and charged for a trespass incident as a Gillen home on 29 January, and the property damage and stealing incident at a laundromat on 31 January.
  • A 16-year-old male was arrested in relation to an unlawful entry of a property on Traeger Park where car keys and alcohol was stolen.
  • A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with multiple traffic offences including Fail to obey Stop Sign, Fail to obey direction of Police Office and Drive Medium Range Blood Alcohol Content (0.138BrAC).
  • Two youth aged 13 and 14-years-old have been issued a summons to appear before court on charges relating to the unlawful entry, stealing and criminal damage of an art gallery in the Todd Mall last month.
  • The same 13-year-old youth and a 10-year-old male have both been issued a summons to appear before court charged in relation to the unlawful entry and property damage at a property on Hartley Street on 6 January.

Detective Senior Sergeant Evan Kelly of Strike Force Viper said members worked tirelessly to identify and locate offenders in relation to criminal offending being committed across Alice Springs.

“Since the previous weekend where we saw 25 unlawful entries across a 72 hour period, we’ve seen a decreased in unlawful entries throughout the week,” said Det S/Sgt Kelly

“However we urge residents not to become blasé about securing their home and valuables.

“We understand the frustration of those who are victims of crime and we urge the community to take those small steps of crime prevention, such as securing your home when you’re at home and not leaving your car keys or valuables in easily visible places, to prevent opportunistic offending.

Strike Force Viper continue to investigating all reported unlawful entries.