The crackdown moves this week to Katherine.

Operation Haven began in the Katherine region on Monday.

Det. acting Sen.-Sgt Jak Evans said the operation is aimed at reducing the instances of domestic and personal violence in Katherine.

He said the operation had met with marked success in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.

“We are hopeful that we can bring the same success into the Katherine region.”

He said police will be conducting operations targeting hot spots for violence and substance related harm while taking a zero tolerance approach to any form of offending.

“We will also be engaging with key stakeholders and other agencies and support services to ensure we keep people safe.”

He said police would be seeking a partnership approach to the issues affecting this type of offending and empowering and protecting vulnerable members of the community.

“It is hoped that regular meetings and consultation will occur to affect this positive change to the community through information sharing protocols and coordinated action.

“We would like to build on the successes of the family safety framework to break the intergenerational cycle of domestic and personal violence within our community.”

The coordinated, whole of government approach to reducing family and domestic violence (DV) was launched initially in Alice Springs in mid-February.

It has since been expanded to include Tennant Creek and Katherine.

Six Katherine adults and seven youths were arrested as a result of a six-week police operation in Katherine.

Ten youths were considered for youth diversion, four summons were issued and there were seven written warnings, police said.

Operation ECHO began on February 7 with the focus of investigating a series of property offences in Katherine. 

The introduction of liquor restrictions in Tennant Creek has seen a significant reduction in domestic violence related assaults and assaults in general.

Police involved in the operation have now been able to turn their attention to alcohol supply, including secondary supply and compliance with the Banned Drinkers Register.

As a result a high number of breaches of Domestic Violence Orders (DVO) and Banned Drinkers Orders (BDO) have been identified by police conducting liquor inspections, in conjunction with Licencing Inspectors.

Fast Facts – Alice Springs

Fast Facts – Tennant Creek

Police will continue to ensure those who contribute directly or indirectly towards domestic violence and its causal factors are held accountable.

Acting Commander Janelle Tonkin said “Operation Haven has continued to deliver great results from a policing perspective. The numbers show that the crack down on harmful alcohol consumption and unlawful supply of alcohol and illicit drugs has a significant effect on domestic violence”

“Police would like to thank the public for their continued assistance. We will continue to work with the community, government and non-government organisations to ensure a safe Northern Territory for all,” she said.

Police strongly encourage anyone with information on domestic violence and the secondary supply of alcohol to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.