EVERY major crime statistic except sexual assault and car theft has increased by double digits in Palmerston while commercial break-ins in Darwin rose a staggering 90 per cent in a 12 month period.

Following the release of the latest statistics from NT Police, Commander of the Darwin metropolitan area Brent Warren offered few specific explanations relating to Palmerston, while acknowledging the statistics which covered a period from May 1 2016 to April 30, 2017.

“Police continue to work with businesses and residents to provide crime prevention advice and support to reduce the incidence and impact of this offending,” he said.

Sexual assaults increased by 6.5 per cent while car theft dropped by 5.1 per cent.

Everything else in Palmerston rose by a minimum of 22 per cent — domestic violence assault by 27 per cent while house break-ins rose by 52.9 per cent and alcohol related assault by 34.3 per cent. Palmerston commercial break-ins were up by 21.3 per cent, the same figure as crimes against the person.

Darwin commercial property crime rose by 90.1 per cent while house break-ins were up by 54.1 per cent. Overall in Darwin, crimes against property rose 15 per cent while crimes against the person dropped 5.6 per cent.

Moulden supermarket owner Mike Harvey blamed the penalties being handed down by the judicial system and alcohol abuse.

He believed police were responding “as best they can” and stats related to trouble hot spots rather than all of Palmerston.

“From a business point of view it is just relentless,” he said. “We need tougher deterrents and we need our judicial system to deliver them. I think when some of these youths see others getting compensation then there is no deterrent.”

Mr Harvey has voluntarily applied liquor restrictions limiting cask wine sales to one per person and none after 5pm daily.

Commander Warren said alcohol was a problem.

“In an effort to reduce the incidences of violence, anti-social behaviour and harm that is attributed to excessive and irresponsible alcohol consumption,” he said.

“Too often, police see the results of unsafe drinking practices and the effects that alcohol misuse has.

“We will be targeting those that seek to impact on the enjoyment of others due to their poor behaviour and decisions.”