Northern Territory Police have arrested a further three youths in Katherine as investigations continue into recent property offending and dangerous driving incidents.
This morning, members of Strike Force Cerberus and Strike Force Trident arrested a 12-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy in relation to a stolen motor vehicle incident that occurred in Katherine last week.
Both are expected to be charged with driving, riding or using a motor vehicle without consent.
The arrests bring the total number of youths apprehended in relation to the incident to five. A 13-year-old and 15-year-old were previously arrested and remanded in custody, while an 11-year-old was arrested and released to be dealt with by summons.
Police are continuing enquiries to locate one remaining 14-year-old boy believed to have been involved. Police believe he has since left Katherine and returned to a remote community.
In a separate matter, Strike Force Cerberus members arrested a 16-year-old boy in relation to a series of alleged commercial burglaries in the Katherine area. The youth was also wanted on two outstanding warrants and is expected to be charged with breach of bail, damage to property and aggravated burglary.
Acting Superintendent Warren Scott thanked members of the Katherine community who assisted police throughout the investigations.
“We know the community has been incredibly frustrated by this recent offending, and our officers share that frustration. Our highest priority is keeping the Katherine community safe and holding those responsible for offending to account.
“I want to particularly thank the members of the public who came forward and provided CCTV, mobile phone and other footage following our appeal. That information directly assisted investigators in identifying the remaining youths involved and progressing these arrests.
“We continue to urge parents, carers and other family members to know where their children are and what they are doing. Police cannot address this behaviour alone, and preventing young people from becoming involved in offending requires responsibility across the whole community.
“Investigations remain ongoing and our focus now is locating the final outstanding youth.”
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the outstanding youth, or information relating to recent offending in Katherine, is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
