But property crime is falling, police say.

In releasing the latest crime statistics, Commander Matthew Hollamby said November saw the lowest number of property crimes reported in Katherine in the past five months, taking total property crime to 15 per cent lower this financial year compared to the same period last financial year.

“This was a positive for the community leading into the Christmas period.

“Home security is a feature of policing operations and the community can help by undertaking basic security measures, including locking your doors at night or when your home or car is unattended,” Commander Hollamby said.

He said despite the positive outcome in property offences, the number of reported assaults spiked during November.

“The involvement of alcohol and domestic violence continue to be dominant factors in violent crime, and NT Police continue to place significant emphasis on reducing domestic violence.”

Crime statistics Katherine (December 2016 to December 2017):

Assault – 514 (up 16.6 per cent)

Domestic violence related assault – 338 (up 8.7 per cent)

Alcohol related assault – 341 (up 10.7 per cent)

Sexual assault – 33 (up 10 per cent)

House break-ins – 108 (up 12.5 per cent)

Commercial break-ins – 98 (up 22.5 per cent)

Motor vehicle theft – 76 (down 17.4 per cent)

Property Damage – 296 (up 5.3 per cent)

Commander Hollamby said in Nhulunbuy, both property and violent crime abated during the month of November 2017 to return to generally low rates.

“Unfortunately, alcohol and domestic violence continue to feature as factors in these statistics. Police at Nhulunbuy continue to work closely with local service providers to target the causal factors of crime.”

He said we are now in the cyclone and flood season and residents should have prepared their basic emergency kits and have considered a family cyclone or flood action plan.

More information can be found at www.securent.nt.gov.au. Motorists are asked to take particular care on wet roads and where possible avoid driving on flooded roads and crossings. Last year, the Region experienced a number of deaths and vehicles washed off causeways in these circumstances.

The Northern Command encourages the community to report all suspicious activity and offending by reporting crimes to 131 444 or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.