Tourism Central Australia has urged the Fyles Government to address the spiralling crime rate in Alice Springs, which they said has reached “crisis” levels and is wiping out the local tourism industry.

The agency said the government should move quickly to enforce law and order as tourists are now avoiding staying in Alice Springs because of fear for their safety, after a visitor to the town was attacked recently.

“Swift action is crucial,” Tourism Central Australia’s chief executive Danial Rochford told the ABC.

“People are openly telling the world to avoid Alice Springs. It’s gotten to a stage where we must tackle this head-on.

“What they (government) are doing is not working. People want to know that they’re going to be safe tonight.”

The most recent crime statistics for Alice Springs show nearly every category of crime has increased in the 12 months to the end of July.

Assault on individuals rose to 2,289 annually, up by 18.42 per cent, from the previous year’s 1,933 incidences. Alcohol-related assault also climbed by 19.36 per cent to 1,116 from 935 last year.

Alice Springs deputy mayor Eli Melky said that it might be time for residents take matters into their own hands seeing the government’s continued failure to curb the ever-rising crime rate.

“People have suggested we find our security for the town, including a dog squad. I think there’s legitimacy in saying that we can’t always rely on government,” Mr Melky said.

Aside from the increasing number of assault incidences, domestic violence is also up by 22.2 per cent, to 1,464 from last year’s 1,198.

Annual home break-ins rose 35.58 per cent to 1,044 from the previous year’s 770 while commercial break-ins skyrocketed by 63.01 per cent from 465 the previous year to 758 incidents. Motor vehicle theft also surged 42.34 per cent from 333 to 474.

Another Alice Springs Councillor, Steve Brown, told the ABC programs such as Neighbourhood Watch should be expanded.

The surge in crime rates came about after the NT Government lifted Intervention-era alcohol bans in remote communities throughout the Territory in July.

Territory Senator Jacinta Price is preparing a federal bill to have the ban restored after increased reports of alcohol-related violence.

The Fyles Government has previously indicated it does not support reintroducing the bans, but would be working with the Federal Labor Government to monitor the impact of the changes.