‘Fed up’: 13 arrested after crackdown on remote unrest
Laine Clark |
More arrests are expected after 13 people were charged following weeks of unrest in a troubled outback community.
Ten men and three women aged 19 to 45 have been remanded in custody after a police crackdown at Wadeye, 395km southwest of Darwin, following a string of alleged incidents.
A small group of people have been accused of continuing to “inflict fear and disruption” in the remote township, prompting an increased police presence at Wadeye.
Police said they were “fed up” with the violence after 13 people were charged with a total of more than 50 offences on Saturday.
They include recklessly endangering life, taking part in a riot, arson, going armed in public and theft.
There’s been a number of incidents since early August involving fighting, weapon use, deliberately lit fires, home and vehicle damage, aggravated burglaries and dangerous driving, police said.
The increased police presence in Wadeye would continue to work with the community to prevent further violence, support affected residents and identify more offenders, Superintendent Virginia Read said.
“A small group of individuals continues to inflict fear and disruption across the community, placing innocent residents, families and responding police officers at risk,” she said in a statement.
“Those who choose to engage in violence, damage property or endanger others should expect police at their door.
“We will continue identifying, locating and arresting those responsible.”
Other people of interest have been identified and more arrests were expected, police said.
Anyone with information should contact police.
AAP