A taskforce of specialist detectives has been assembled to clean up Katherine property crime.
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Police have dedicated 10 investigative detectives to work alongside general duty officers to clear the backlog of property crime cases in Katherine.
Det. Sen. Sgt Mark Malagorski said Operation Echo is focusing on break-ins and car thefts.
“This operation is to reassure the public that we are serious about property crime in Katherine, we are conducting heaps of patrols and are expecting more arrests,” Det. Sen. Sgt Malagorski said.
“We are targeting the known hot spots around town. Areas like service stations, alcohol outlets, dwellings and businesses on Katherine Terrace.
“We have a big list of car thefts and break-ins that we are investigating and closing. Our goal is to clear up the list and get all of the offenders before the courts or put through youth diversion,” he said.
“We are already putting a dent in the list.”
The operation, which began on Tuesday has already seen two people charged and four others put through youth diversion programs.
Det. Sen. Sgt Malagorski asked residents to remove the temptation for an opportunistic offender to target you and remember to “lock it or lose it”.
“In a lot of the break-ins the offender does not want to confront anyone. If you bag, wallet or keys are in view it can be tempting for crooks,” he said.
“Make sure none of these items are in view, and lock your doors, screens and windows.”