Police are investigating a series of robberies overnight in the Alice Springs CBD.
Just after 9pm In Todd Street [1] a man was knocked to the ground by a group of offenders.
Detective Sergeant Michael Ordelman says: “The group then moved to the car park on Gregory Terrace [2] where they accosted a group of people in a car. One of the occupants of the car was knocked unconscious and his wallet was stolen.
“Just after this a woman had her hand bag stolen near a licensed venue in the Mall [3].
“The victim and a staff member chased the group onto Gregory Terrace [2]. The male staff member was assaulted before the group fled towards the Todd River [4].”
Two of the victims have been taken to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment.
A bank card stolen from the bag snatch was later used at businesses in the CBD.
“Police arrested one of the group of offenders in the Todd River just after 10.30 pm,” Det Sgt Ordelman says. “He is currently in custody at the Watch House assisting police with enquiries.”
The matter is being investigated by Strike Force Viper and Alice Springs Criminal Investigation Branch.
Police are calling for any witnesses that may have seen any of these incidents to contact 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police media release.
UPDATE March 22, 6.10pm
Monday 22 March, 2021
Issued at: 1635hrs CST
Additional police resources will be sent to Alice Springs to address antisocial behaviour after a weekend in which two people were hospitalised after being assaulted, according to a media release from Assistant Commissioner Dr Narelle Beer.
“What we saw was calculated intent to cause harm to innocent people who were out enjoying themselves. It is simply cowardly and dangerous behaviour.
“This behaviour is abhorrent and completely unacceptable and we will be addressing it head on,” says Dr Beer.
“From this weekend, members from the Northern command, Territory Mounted Unit, Dog Operations Unit and new recruits will provide a bolstered police presence in the CBD with a coordinated approach to providing police at peak hours to disrupt criminal intent.
“The community can expect to see a lot more boots on the ground with the intent to break this cycle of antisocial behaviour.”
Maybe the time has come to call a spade a spade. This is not crimes, it is terrorism. Those acts spread fear among the habitants of the town.
National security is all about keeping Australians safe and secure. Question: Are we safe and secure in Alice Springs?