They have called a crime meeting this Friday to tell police and government representatives to hurry up and do something.

“It is wrecking this place, it has never been this bad,” Katherine Chamber of Commerce chair Kevin Grey said.

Recent police crime statistics show Katherine shop break-ins have risen more than 160 per cent in the past year, the worst rise of anywhere in the Territory.

Mr Grey, himself a Katherine Terrace business owner, said the town’s retailers “were over it”.

The Chamber of Commerce has organised a meeting at the Katherine Civic Centre this Friday afternoon from 3.30.

Newly appointed Katherine police commander Michael Hebb, and Katherine MLA Sandra Nelson have agreed to speak to the meeting and answer questions.

At this stage the meeting is not open to the public although Katherine Times has been invited to attend to report the proceedings.

Several town citizens have already indicated they would like to attend as well.

Mr Grey said Katherine was suffering more than just a drinking problem.

“It is has been pretty bad this year over Christmas, as bad as it has ever been.”

Theft and vandalism are rife, he said.

Other shopkeepers are spending big on security grilles and screens after suffering repeated broken windows.

Many people are commenting about the “look” of the town being a worry for the annual dry season tourist trade.

Katherine Town Council plans to speak to shopkeepers and residents this year before embarking on a $5 million revamp of the CBD, money already funded by the NT Government.

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