Sexual assaults and house break-ins continue to plague the residents of Katherine.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In police crime statistics released yesterday, sexual assaults have risen 72.7 per cent over the past year.
House break-ins have risen 70 per cent.
Commander Matthew Hollamby said while Katherine had experienced an increase in assault offences over the past year, figures still remain at the second lowest level over the last six years.
“We continue to see reductions in the proportions of assaults that are associated with alcohol or domestic violence, though these factors still contribute to two-thirds of assaults in the area,” Commander Hollamby said.
The month of June saw the lowest level of offences against the person reported for the financial year, he said.
“Katherine has been affected by a rise in property crime for the financial year but the month of June saw the lowest number of property crimes reported in the past two years.”
“Commercial break-ins are still at low levels but household break-ins have increased.
“The increase was due to crime series between September 2016 and April 2017.
“Offenders were apprehended for these series and break-ins have returned to significantly lower levels in May and June. Home security is a feature of policing operations and the community can help by undertaking basic security measures including to lock your doors at night or when your home or car is unattended.”
Police encourage the community to report all suspicious activity and offending by reporting crimes to 131 444 or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.