Northern Territory Police’s Strike Force Trident, along with the Dog Operations Unit, successfully apprehended 19-year-old Jeremy Peckham in Malak at approximately 2:15pm yesterday without any complications. This follows a significant criminal episode that occurred late Thursday night, which reportedly caused around $15,000 worth of damage at Crocodylus Park. Peckham unlawfully entered the park, tampered with a crocodile, stole a Holden Rodeo utility, and subsequently used the vehicle to crash through multiple gates.
The stolen utility was later discovered burnt out at Casuarina Beach, marking just a fraction of the destruction. Peckham is accused of damaging two other vehicles and attempting to steal two more during his spree. Park manager Emily Moyes described the incident as a serious setback, emphasising the challenges faced by privately-run tourist attractions.
CCTV footage captured the entire incident, showcasing Peckham lifting a 65-centimetre crocodile and posing for selfies with it before leaving it behind, allowing it to escape within the park. Moyes expressed relief that the crocodile did not accompany him. The footage also revealed Peckham’s disturbing actions as he ran over a family of ducks while fleeing the scene, a moment that Moyes described as distressing.
Following these events, Peckham was charged with multiple offences, including burglary, property damage, trespassing, theft, and interference with protected wildlife. Additionally, he faced several driving violations, such as operating a motor vehicle without consent and lacking the necessary driving supervision. He made his first court appearance at Darwin Local Court today and has been remanded in custody, with a subsequent court date scheduled for Friday.