An Alice Springs businessman says it took 90 minutes for police to respond to an emergency call he made last night despite calling several times.

Steve Strike says he tried the main police station number and triple-0 hotline at about 6pm but had no response.

He says he called because a group of young people were damaging a neighbour's car and jumping on the roofs of other cars.

Mr Strike says he did not receive a police response until someone went to the police station to report the crime.

"I've heard of this happening from other people in Alice," he said.

"I didn't think it was as bad until you experience it yourself.

"Where's the law and order in the town?

"This is why crimes don't get reported - because people just give up in disgust."

Superintendent Michael Murphy says what happened to Mr Strike is not good enough and he does not want it to happen again.

"So once we've got more call takers on the ground, obviously there'll be the ability to answer more calls as well," he said.

"But, look, it's something that concerns me with the fact that it's taken 90 minutes to respond."