NT Police have launched a seven-day crackdown on crime in Alice Springs in response to a recent spike in random assaults and property offences.

The crackdown, dubbed Operation Thayer, will involve moving police resources to Alice Springs to patrol known locations and reported hotspots for crime and anti-social behaviour.

Assistant Commissioner Martin Dole said the Alice Springs community had had “a gut-full” after the recent “significant spike” in property offences and assaults in the town.

“This past week we’ve seen a significant increase in property crime, including unlawful entries, stolen motor vehicles and random assaults on members of the public,” said Assistant Commissioner Dole.

“Our existing members have been addressing these issues rightly so, but with the current situation and the upcoming peak season for the southern region, we’ve re-directed officers to provide a zero-tolerance response.”

Mr Dole said the police were able to deploy more resources to the town which has been under duress for months, if not years, due to the “closure of the COVID border checkpoints” ahead of the peak tourism season.

The COVID border checkpoints have not been operational for months.

“Operation Thayer will be the first police operation prior to the peak tourism season, dedicated to target property offending and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Dole said.