Northern Territory Police have arrested four youths after two vehicles were allegedly stolen from separate Palmerston suburbs and used in a series of fuel thefts during the early hours of Friday morning.
Sometime between 8pm on Thursday 10 September and 6am on Friday 11 September 2026, a Toyota Landcruiser was allegedly stolen from a residence in Gunn.
A Toyota Hilux was also allegedly stolen from Zuccoli during the early hours of Friday.
At around 4am, both stolen vehicles attended a service station in Berrimah, where the occupants allegedly stole more than 55 litres of diesel.
About an hour later, the vehicles attended a Coolalinga service station and allegedly stole a further 46 litres of diesel.
The alleged fuel thefts, totalling more than 100 litres, were captured on CCTV.
At around 5:20am, the stolen vehicles were observed travelling south on the Stuart Highway. Members from Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit responded, with assistance from officers in Adelaide River.
Police attempted to apprehend the vehicles; however, the drivers allegedly failed to stop and accelerated away, reaching speeds of up to 150km/h and travelling on the wrong side of the road.
Adelaide River Police successfully deployed tyre spikes, bringing the Landcruiser to a stop near Adelaide River. Two occupants, aged 14 and 16, allegedly fled into nearby bushland before surrendering to police about two hours later.
The Hilux avoided the tyre spikes and continued towards Daly River. Daly River Police successfully deployed a second tyre deflation device near the community at around 7:30am.
The remaining occupants, aged 16 and 17, allegedly fled from the vehicle. Strike Force Trident investigators reviewed CCTV and worked with local contacts to identify the pair, who were arrested at a Daly River property at around 11:45am.
Both stolen vehicles were recovered.
The 14-year-old, who was allegedly on bail at the time, has since been charged with breach of bail, driving, using/riding motor vehicle without consent, drive never licenced, driving vehicle dangerous manner and theft.
The remaining youths, aged 16, 16 and 17, have been charged with theft and driving, using/riding motor vehicle without consent.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Humphries said the youths’ actions could have had devastating consequences.
“Driving stolen vehicles at speeds of up to 150km/h and on the wrong side of the road is extremely reckless and could easily cause a serious or fatal collision.
“This was dangerous and reckless behaviour that put the youths, police and other road users at risk.
“I commend the actions of the responding Police, who worked together to safely arrest all four youths and recover the stolen vehicles.”
Strike Force Trident is continuing its investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2600088001.
