Police Strike Force Viper already getting results in Alice Springs

Alice Springs police say Strike Force Viper has hit the ground running since forming last Tuesday. Key points: Strike Force Viper was established to investigate property crime and vehicle thefts in Alice Springs The operation will focus on identifying repeat offenders who often become ringleaders Police say Alice Springs "can't arrest its way out" of crime as it is a whole of society issue The strike force was established in response to concerns about growing levels of property crime and car thefts in Alice Springs, with six officers relocated from Darwin. Kids being led astray Commander Laidler said repeat offenders would also be a target for the strike force in combatting property and vehicle crime. Mayor Damien Ryan has been quoted in the media blaming the rise in crime on "gang-related activity", however Commander Laidler said police had no information that that was the case. Find more local news Tell us your location and find more local ABC News and information 'Can't arrest your way out of these problems' Extra police have been relocated to deal with crime in Alice Springs before, but Commander Laidler said he did not want people to think Strike Force Viper was a temporary solution.