A 21-year-old man has escaped from a facility on Willard Road in Howard Springs, sparking a police manhunt. Authorities were alerted around 10:20 pm that he had fled after being last seen during routine bed checks at 7 pm. His electronic monitoring device was reported removed approximately 7.55 pm, 16 kilometres away at Catalina Road and Flockhart Drive, Marlows Lagoon.
While police do not believe the young man poses a threat to the public, they advise the community not to approach him. Increased police resources have been mobilised, and investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to reach out to authorities by calling 131 444 and quoting reference number P25068454, or they can report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
This incident follows another recent escape from a watchhouse in the CBD and comes as the Northern Territory government has announced that NT Corrections staff and approximately 90 prisoners were relocated from Palmerston Watch House. Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley noted that this transition is part of the government’s broader corrections strategy, allowing police to utilise the watchhouse independently to process individuals before court proceedings.
Maley also expressed that the previous arrangement where corrections staff were based in the watchhouse since June was inefficient and that the police now can effectively manage their duties without the corrections presence. Acting Police Commissioner Martin Dole highlighted that the reallocation of facilities is beneficial given the pressures on the justice system, as some detainees who should be under correctional officers are still kept in police custody.
Despite plans to further release pressures on the watch houses, the ongoing situation has faced criticism from correctional officers who express concerns over safety and privatization. The government is also working to expand Berrimah Correctional Facility to accommodate over 360 beds by adding temporary dormitories, with ongoing renovations expected to increase capacity to around 400 beds soon.
This has been a pivotal moment for the Northern Territory’s corrections and policing framework, signalling efforts to manage resources while responding to the public’s safety needs. As developments unfold, local residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any relevant information regarding the escaped individual.