The government has boosted funds in Alice Springs and Darwin in response to the apparent youth crime wave in those areas.

A flying squad of about a dozen police will be used in response to “spikes” in youth crime, particularly car theft and property crime.

Katherine MLA Sandra Nelson said there was no need for a dedicated youth crime taskforce in Katherine. 

“We are not going to get one here, there are greater youth crime issues in Darwin and Alice Springs,” Ms Nelson said. 

“We already have an informal taskforce here, we have police officers in Katherine who are dedicated to dealing with youth crime.”

“We have enough resources to create our own taskforce if we needed it.”

Supt Lauren Hill said residents should be ringing police to report any type of crime

“If people aren’t reporting then offenders continue to commit crime and police are unable to apprehend them and bring them before the court,” Supt Hill said. 

“NT Police recognise that property crime is a major concern to the Katherine Community, however property crimes series which occur in Katherine are sporadic and able to be dealt with locally by Katherine uniform police and detectives.”  

Social media vigilantism has emerged in Katherine, with some residents posting CCTV footage of children on Facebook pages. 

“They are convicting them by public opinion,” Ms Nelson said. 

Some are demanding the names, addresses and photos of alleged underage offenders to be shared with the community, while others said the Territory's justice system is "too soft".

Although Katherine will not be receiving a dedicated youth crime taskforce, the government will invest $5 million into the Katherine police station to improve capacity. 

Also, a Territory-wide operation, Sonoma, was launched earlier this to combat youth crime. 

Deputy Police Commissioner Kate Vanderlaan said the taskforce would hear from police working with youth crime departments in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek.

"We need to look at these young offenders who are roaming the streets and see what other help they may need," Ms Vanderlaan told the ABC. 

 NT Police have begun compiling intelligence profiles on the top 20 youth offenders in the NT. 

Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to police on 131 444 or if an emergency 000.