A group of male youths who allegedly “indecently assaulted” two women at a residential complex in Casuarina Tuesday night are still at large with one of the suspects believed to be a nine-year-old, NT Police said.
The two incidents occurred along Dripstone Road, Tuesday night, with police calling for any witnesses to come forward to help them identify the males.
A 22-year-old woman told police she was entering a residential complex when she was approached by a male youth from behind who allegedly assaulted her before running off.
Details of the nature of the assault were not disclosed and neither was the exact time of the incident.
Police described the offender as a tall, skinny Aboriginal male with a bleached Mohawk hair style, and an earring in the right earlobe.
He was wearing blue shorts, black t-shirt with ‘South Side Serpents’ logo on the back, black baseball cap, white ankle socks and dark sneakers when the crime happened.
Another woman also reported to police that she was indecently assaulted by a group of three male youths in the same residential complex where the first woman was assaulted.
The 20-year-old woman said she and a friend were followed to the entrance of the building by the group, one of whom assaulted her as his friends stood by.
All three then fled the scene.
Police described the offenders as being of Aboriginal appearance, aged possibly between 9 and 17.
One of the youths who assaulted the second woman is described as short slim Aboriginal male with short dark hair. He was wearing a red t-shirt with black sleeves, pink/light red shorts, red sneakers, and pink socks when the assault happened.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Grieve said the youths lewd behaviour was unacceptable and that police are reviewing CCTV footage in the area during the time of the incident.
“This kind of behaviour is unacceptable, and women should feel safe as they come and go from their homes. We are reviewing CCTV in the area and making enquiries,” Sgt Grieve said.
“We believe the same group of youths is responsible for both assaults.”
“These incidents happened in a busy area and we are asking anyone who may have seen these boys in the Dripstone Road area to contact us on 131 444 and quote reference 9596114.”
Police reporting the incidents are in stark contrast to their usual procedure.
Amazing! The police were much quicker to act this time. Are they learning to behave as expected by the public? I will maintain an open mind on that one!