Northern Territory Shadow Families Minister Josh Burgoyne has called for “full coverage” of police in Alice Springs to “ensure the safety” of the community.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler has declared an ‘emergency situation’ in the Alice Springs CBD to combat crime.

A two-week youth curfew will be put in place as part of the response.

“It is very clear that Alice Springs is currently under-resourced,” Mr Burgoyne said at a press conference in Alice Springs on Thursday.

“I think what we are seeing right now is that we’re having to surge police into Alice Springs as a result of not being safe.

“We need full coverage to ensure the safety of people in our community.”