There are calls for alcohol bans to be brought back in Alice Springs to curb a “crime epidemic”. 

In the last 12 months, property offences have gone up by 60 per cent in Alice Springs and assaults are up 38 per cent.

The Australian reporter Liam Mendes, who has been in Alice Springs since last Thursday, told Ray Hadley the town is “completely out of control”.

“It’s just absolute mayhem here. It’s just absolute anarchy and you have to see it to believe it.”

Labor MP for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour, says alcohol abuse is fuelling the crime wave and is calling for bans to be renewed.

“It’s certainly not just alcohol, but I think that’s the main cause of the issues,” Mr Mendes continued. “I think a lot of this is also boredom.

“During the night, it’s just people roaming around with nothing better to do than try and break in somewhere.

“They’re in search for alcohol and that’s why they’re breaking into houses, breaking into businesses.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview 

Image: Getty