Shocking MTA Survey Reveals Rampant Theft and Crime Faced by NT Automotive Businesses

Following strong feedback from members and the automotive industry more broadly, the MTA has advocated for deterrents such as harsher penalties and sentencing to stop the cycle of local violence and crime in the Northern Territory.

Local crime is a significant issue and the MTA conducted a survey to identify major concerns. While frustration with a lack of police follow-up was a common theme, a majority of respondents said harsher penalties and sentencing was required, in addition to greater education.

More than half of survey respondents reported property damage or vandalism in the past 12 months, with 47 per cent also reporting being a victim of theft. Only a quarter of survey respondents said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the Northern Territory Police’s response to crime in their area. Commonly stolen items from automotive businesses have included utes such as Toyota Landcruiser Troopcarriers. Territorians work hard to make a livelihood and putting up with these challenges is an unnecessary cost to doing business. At what point do we say enough is enough and that businesses do not deserve to put up with this?

In recent months, MTA members have detailed an increased spate of thefts and property damage. There isn’t going to be a quick or easy solution but we have to start somewhere.

The MTA will continue to call out crime and work with the Northern Territory Government to adequately address member concerns. Authorities should urgently address business concerns by identifying reforms to criminal punishments and offender rehabilitation.

As part of its advocacy, the MTA’s demand for action by authorities was reported by local radio and television news.