Premier: Plans afoot to address crime surge

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has outlined steps to address the growing concerns over crime in the territory.

Speaking during the government’s first press conference of 2025, Dr Wheatley acknowledged the recent rise in violent crime, including the territory’s first murder of the year, and assured the public of a strategic response to tackle the issue. “We do have an upsurge, in some areas, of crime. Last year we had four murders, which is down about maybe two or three persons from the previous years,” he said. “We want to bring murders down to zero… and the police has a strategy to be able to deal with those.”

The Premier expressed condolences to the family of the murder victim, describing the incident as “not a good way to start the year”. He noted an increase in gun-related violence and stated that discussions on the matter have been prioritised within the National Security Council (NSC). “I met with the National Security Council yesterday, as I do every week, received updates from the Acting Police Commissioner, and of course, we continue to strategise on ways in which we can confront this challenge in the community of crime,” Dr Wheatley said.