Police would like Katherine citizens to keep their eyes on the steady fall in the reported number of commercial break-ins in Katherine.
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From a shocking height of 223 per cent rise in break-ins a few months ago, that number is now 59 per cent.
And has been falling steadily month on month since December.
Fifty-nine per cent more commercial break-ins in Katherine than at the same time a year ago.
While saying the percentage is still much too high, residents still highlight the actual number of break-ins.
Today that number sits at 312.
A total of 312 reported commercial break-ins in the past year, ending June 30.
That's almost one a day.
Commander Michael Hebb said this release of the latest crime statistics continues to demonstrate police and the community are experiencing reductions in a number of crime categories across the Northern Command.
"That said, there is still opportunity to reduce offending further, and the NT Police are committed to working with others to achieve a safer community," he said.
"With regards to property offences, the targeted policing activities implemented within Katherine, which places a strong focus on enhanced engagement with the community, continues to realise reductions in some offence types, including commercial break-ins," he said.
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"There are a number of cross-agency groups that work collaboratively with NT Police to manage/support persons at risk of offending and to reduce offences.
"Whilst the June crime stats show commercial break-ins are up 59%, this is the sixth month in a row where there have been reductions.
"The trend is evident that monthly reductions are being achieved in such offences, and the focus on further reductions will continue.
"As previously reported, the implementation of Operation Pelion in Katherine in February 2019 is one of the contributing factors towards the reduction of property crime.
House break-ins have also reduced on year to year crime stats, Commander Hebb said.
He said since January, there has been a consistent reduction in assault offences, with the latest stats for June 2019 showing assaults being down 8 per cent, "which is an excellent achievement when considering that assaults were up 13 per cent just six months ago for year on year data".
He said the commitment of our Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors at licensed premises within the Katherine region has been a key contributor to the reductions in assaults, including domestic violence, and other alcohol related harm.
Commander Hebb said car theft and related offences were up 11 per cent.
"Whilst this is a good reduction from when it was up 30% for the previous month's crime statistics, there are more opportunities to reduce such offences."
He said cars had been stolen after a house or commercial premises is broken into and the keys to a vehicle are located.
"It is recommended that car keys aren't easily accessed or sighted when at home or work, for example; keys not left on a table at the rear of a house or hanging on the wall/placed in a drawer at a business premises. Removing easy access to car keys will further assist in reducing the potential for motor vehicle related offences."
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