A public meeting to talk about the crime wave, is planned for early April. 

Katherine Mayor Fay Miller wrote a letter to the government in December last year asking for their help to clean up our streets after a spike in crime. 

A spokesman from chief minister Michael Gunner’s office said “The Chief Minister replied to the Mayor’s letter of 20 December 2017 on 29 January.”

Acting police commander Lauren Hill said Katherine experienced an increase in the number of reported violent crimes. 

Assaults, domestic violence, rape, break-ins and alcohol assaults have all increased. 

Katherine MLA Sandra Nelson said she is working with Katherine Town Council to “address the concerns that have been raised by some residents regarding law and order matters in Katherine”.

“Mayor Fay Miller and I agree that a community public forum will be a good step forward in addressing resident’s concerns.

“To ensure we have the appropriate personnel and government representatives to address the forum, it is anticipated that the forum will be held early April,” she said. 

Mayor Fay Miller said she has been in talks with government ministers for months to address the problem. 

“We want to have a meeting to see how we as a community can address the issue because it is not getting better,” Mayor Miller said. 

“We only got the ball rolling on this public meeting in the last week or so.

“It is taking a while, but we want to make sure we get everyone there. I don’t want to have a community meeting for the sake of having a meeting.”

Mayor Miller said she hoped to get Territory Families minister Dale Wakefield, police, neighbourhood watch and other community groups present at the meeting. 

Shadow Police minister Lia Finocchiaro said Katherine had fallen “victim to dramatically increasing rates of crime”.

“The Banned Drinker Register is not working as a standalone tool to keep Territorians safe,” Ms Finocchiaro said. 

“Despite the best work of our police officers, the latest crime statistics indicate a worrying trend in alcohol related assaults, crime against the person and break ins.

“The lack of timeliness from the Labor government to respond to the community’s concerns clearly indicates that Territorian’s safety is not a priority for this government,” she said. 

“The question must be asked, why has it taken nearly five months for this forum to occur, and how can Labor justify the delay for such an important issue effecting the Katherine community?”

Ms Finocchiaro said the opposition would continue to fight for Liquor Inspectors at takeaway alcohol outlets  and address the ongoing break-ins to homes and businesses that continue to occur across the Territory.”