Katherine police are claiming a victory of sorts over shop crime. In the most recent crime statistics, commercial break-ins have still risen more than 100 per cent in year-on-year figures. But compared to recent months, where the rise has been more than 200 per cent, police say their hard work is paying off. Commander Michael Hebb said the crime statistics for the Northern Command are demonstrating that there are successes in some areas with reducing crime, but they also highlight opportunity for further reductions. "Whilst property crime is still up when looking at year on year data within the Katherine region, including motor vehicle and related offences (up 37 per cent) when comparing 12 months ending March 2019 with the previous 12 months, there have been reductions achieved over the past few months in a number of areas," he said. Police launched Operation Pelion in February 2019 as a direct response to the rise in property crime. "This operation is a multifaceted approach to crime reduction through targeting recidivist offenders and reduce offender's opportunity to commit crime. A key focus is working closer with repeat victims," Commander Hebb said. He said commercial break-ins for the Katherine Division are up 117 per cent when comparing the 12 months ending March 2019 to the previous 12 months ending March 2018. "Whilst this data is the current 12 months compared to previous 12 months, it should be noted that there has been a consistent reduction on commercial break-ins over the past four months. "Likewise, house break-ins are currently up when considered over a 12 month comparison, but there have also been reductions over recent months." The crime statistics show a four per cent rise in assaults for Katherine over the past year. "But, this is a reduction from being 8 per cent up (12 months ending February 2019) and 13 per cent up (12 months ending January 2019). Commander Hebb also warned to take care on the roads. "As we enter the 'dry season' it is timely to remember to take care on the roads, as there are increases in the number of road users, with tourists travelling through the Northern Territory. "Plan your trips well ahead and to factor in the potential of additional traffic. The public are urged to be well rested before driving long distances to and closely monitor fatigue levels. Remember; Drive So Others Survive." Members of the public are encouraged to continue to report all crimes and suspicious behaviour via 000 if the matter is urgent or to 131 444 or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous. "The reporting of all crime, suspicious and antisocial behaviour allows officers to address the offending promptly. It also helps the NT Police Force ensure our intelligence teams are able to best direct police patrols to identified crime and antisocial hotspots across the Northern Command," Commander Hebb said. While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.