The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating reports of two aggravated robberies that are alleged to have occurred in Lajamanu.
Around 5:05pm yesterday, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report from a 62-year-old female that two youths had attempted to carjack her vehicle and smashed the vehicle’s window.
The offenders then allegedly jumped into the vehicle, however, the victim dragged them out and drove to the local police station where she waited for police.
Police responded to the incident and found there were at least three youths involved in the offending. The victim did not sustain any injuries and returned to Darwin today.
About an hour later, the JESCC received a report a 57-year-old male victim had been assaulted by a group of up to six youths.
The victim told police he was outside his residence when a group of youths approached and demanded his keys.
One of the offenders was armed with an iron bar and allegedly used it to strike to the victim to his back.
The victim then locked himself in the house but left the keys in the outside lock, which were then stolen by the offenders.
The 57-year-old suffered minor back pain but did not require medical treatment. He was also visiting Lajamanu and chose to leave the area on Wednesday.
Investigators from Katherine Criminal Investigations Branch were deployed to Lajamanu along with members of Strike Force Cerberus.
Police recovered the allegedly stolen keys and have identified four (4) youth suspects in relation to the offending.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant David Van Der Merwe described the offending as “reckless” and “frightening” for the victims.
“These individuals were visiting Lajamanu for separate programs and leave with a bad experience of the community following two separate incidents which would have been traumatic to endure.
“The behaviour of the youths involved is deplorable. Visitors to the area deserve to feel safe and police will continue to work hard to ensure that they do.”
Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 1800 333 000.
