Impacts of Crime in the NT revealed.

Earlier this month, the Property Council of Australia - NT Division?conducted a sentiment survey on the impacts of property crime and antisocial behaviour. The survey revealed that property crime, vehicle theft, and violent and threatening behaviour significantly impact businesses in the Northern Territory, with the impacts experienced by businesses and residents. Costs have been incurred through repairs and security measures. The survey was conducted anonymously and sent to Property Council members and businesses across the Northern Territory.

You can view the full Property Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour survey results here. ?

Key findings from the survey indicate that 95 per cent?of respondents believe social issues and crime have worsened in the last 12 months, and 53 per cent?are considering leaving due to rising property crime. Moreover, 94 per cent?of respondents believe that crime impacts population growth, and 96 per cent?believe it affects tourism markets. 75 per cent?of respondents had been a victim of property crime, and 39 per cent?had a vehicle stolen from the premises. 70 per cent?of respondents reported that crime and antisocial behaviour had impacted their decisions to invest in property or acquire new properties.

The findings highlighted the prevalence of antisocial interaction, with 73 per cent?of businesses reporting that they were impacted by public drunkenness. Respondents commented on the types of antisocial behaviour they had experienced, including domestic violence, drug smoking, and public indecency.

?Image: What type of behaviour occurred?

The survey found 86?per cent?of respondents felt that there were not enough police resources to deal with this level of crime, with?69 per cent?of Territorians answering that they do not feel safe.

In response to the survey results, the Property Council presented a 41-page report to the Chief Minister, highlighting the need for collaborative advocacy to identify actions for improved community safety and to protect the Northern Territory's population growth and tourism markets.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the report and advised that she would go through the data and comments with her colleagues. The findings of the survey highlight the urgent need for the government to take appropriate measures to reduce property crime and antisocial behaviour across the Northern Territory.

In addition, today, the Chief Minister has announced a raft of immediate measures to tackle this issue in the wake of the tragic events that occurred this week. You can read more here. The new measures will include a review of bail laws, increased police presence targeting known hotspots, a workplace safety review and capsicum spray for transit safety officers, crowd controllers and security guards.

The NT government will immediately review the bail laws for offences involving a weapon, as well as review penalties for people carrying weapons in public. NT Police will continue high visibility patrols targeting known hotspots in Darwin and through Operation Drina in Alice Springs. The government will also support funding for crowd controllers at takeaway liquor outlets until the end of June 2023, meeting community demand following Sunday’s tragedy.

An audit of late-night retail outlets will offer businesses advice on how to increase security and reduce crime through environmental design. The government will also work with the retail industry to develop a best practice training guide for employees when dealing with confrontation in the workplace. The training will include de-escalation tactics and a Responsible Service of Alcohol refresher.

Thank you to the many respondents who took the time to participate in our survey. Your valuable insights will help us address the issue of property crime and antisocial behaviour in the Northern Territory. We appreciate your contribution to this important cause, and encourage you to continue to reach out with your stories, and ideas to help support this important advocacy.

Please view the below links to Property Council NT's media coverage on the topic.?

Mix 1049?coverage

Channel 9 coverage

If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]

Ruth Palmer

Executive Director of Property Council of Australia - NT Division