Territorians pleading the Federal Government to step in to save Alice Springs from Labor’s Crime Catastrophe is a damning statement on the inept Fyles government, according to Deputy Opposition Leader Gerard Maley.
“National publicity of the emergency unfolding in Alice Springs prompted Labor’s Police Minister to once again trot out the same lame excuses, dud answers and yet another ‘circuit breaker’,” Mr Maley said.
“When criminals are smashing windows, Labor’s policy is to strengthen windows instead of laws.”
Mr Maley said the Crime Crisis across the Territory had been escalating for years and today’s crime statistics continued the trend.
“Criminals are targeting businesses in particular, with commercial break-ins up 134% in Katherine, 56% in Alice Springs, 44% in Darwin, and 26% in Tennant Creek,” he said.
“The catastrophe continues in Alice Springs with property damage up 60%, alcohol-related assault up 55% and domestic violence assault up 54%.
“What is really concerning for Katherine, in addition to the 134% increase in commercial break-ins, is the 143% increase in sexual assaults.”
Mr Maley said the Save Alice Petition, calling on the Federal Government to provide police resources to Alice Springs, was signed by 450 people in less than 24 hours.
“When you have an entire community living in fear every day, something has to be done and Territory Labor has proven they are not up to the task,” he said.
“In any other catastrophe of this magnitude, the Federal Government would step in so we’re encouraging everyone to send them that message by signing the petition at www.SaveAlice.com.au.”
ENDS