Crimes across Katherine have fallen dramatically in the most recent police statistics.
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Shop break-ins have dropped by more than half.
The advent of the pandemic lockdown and community restrictions is largely seen as the reason for big crime falls across the Territory.
Many businesses have been closed and people have been confined to home.
Katherine recorded reductions across all crime categories when compared to 12 month period from the end of May 2019 to the end of May 2020.
Assaults were down 15.8 per cent (down 91 offences), house break-ins were down 7.5 per cent (10 incidents).
One of Katherine's biggest crime sore points in recent years - shop and business break-ins - were down 55.3 per cent (down 188 incidents).
Domestic violence related assaults in Katherine are down 17.8 per cent and alcohol related assaults are down 26.4 per cent.
Commander Janelle Tonkin has commenced responsibility for providing leadership to Northern Command, which includes the Katherine, Central and Northern Divisions.
The Katherine and Nhulunbuy crime statistics encompass all three divisions.
"Since the last Commander Messages were published; I have formally assumed my new position as Commander Northern Command and am now based in Katherine," Commander Tonkin said.
"From an operational perspective, the COVID-19 Pandemic has continued as a significant challenge for both our community and the NT Police.
"With the release of crime statistics (for the April 2018 to March 2020) there is clear evidence that communities across the Northern Command are experiencing positive reductions in the vast majority of crime categories."
Commander Tonkin said the Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors at licences premises point of sales within the Katherine region have continued to contribute to the reduction in assaults, including domestic violence, and other violent offences, by reducing the availability and abuse of liquor.
More reading: Katherine has a new police commander.
She said a significant number of unlawful entries continued to be through unlocked doors.
Important messages for our community include:
- Ensure your residence is secure and doors are locked particularly at night.
- Close your louvres if you do not have security bars across the louvre panels.
- Do not leave items of value visible within your vehicles and do not leave wallets, purses and car keys in plain sight on a kitchen bench.
- Secure your businesses and homes (even when you are at home) including locking screen doors (not just activating the snib).
- Install sensor lights and keep your garden trimmed around doors and windows.
- Have someone empty your letter box if you are away at any time.
- Keep an eye on your neighbours and report any suspicious activity in your area to police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000; and again,
- Make sure your home is locked when you're home or out. Your doors should be locked when your front or back doors are not visible to you.
- Find out more about and become involved with Neighbourhood Watch by visiting their web page. It contains some excellent tips on crime prevention and enhancing your home security profile.
"Our road policing activities are continuing across the command despite some minor operational changes to large scale RBT operations in the wake of COVID-19," Commander Tonkin said.
" I commend all Territorians for their behaviour on NT roads over the last few months but also remind drivers, particularly those seeking to get for a drive as restrictions ease, to remain vigilant and drive to the conditions."
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