Alice Springs mayor calls for ‘heavy handed response’ as crisis talks held over increased crime

Local and state government disagree on best ways to tackle major increases in property offences and violence in central Australian town

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Federal and local authorities have held crisis talks over the escalating wave of crime and violence across Alice Springs.

Tensions have been escalating in the central Australian town after an increase in property offences, assaults, and joyriding in stolen cars. NT police statistics show reported property offences jumped by almost 60% over the past 12 months, while assaults have increased by 38% and domestic violence assaults by 48%.