Police lay charges over property offences in Darwin region

Northern Territory Police have arrested and charged a 16-year-old male with property offences following incidents over the weekend.

In the early hours of Friday, 29 November, the youth allegedly stole a Toyota Hilux from a residence in Anula. The vehicle was later driven to a licensed premises in Noonamah where the youth and others attempted to gain entry at 1:20am. They were confronted by a staff member and left the scene.

At 2:35am, the vehicle was observed by police in Brinkin. Police attempted to apprehend the vehicle however it failed to stop and a pursuit was conducted throughout the northern suburbs and Berrimah. The pursuit ended when the vehicle was located abandoned at Knuckey Lagoon. A short time later, a Nissan Patrol was stolen from another residence at Knuckey Lagoon.

Around 4:50am on Sunday, 1 December, police were notified of an unlawful entry where a Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi ASX were stolen from a residence at Knuckey Lagoon. The Prado was driven to a service station at Howard Springs where the occupants forced entry by smashing glass. An employee who was inside at the time locked herself in the office and contacted police.

Police were on scene within minutes and sighted a group getting into the stolen Prado. A pursuit was initiated and it continued through to Palmerston and the northern suburbs. The Prado was lost in bushland at Knuckey Lagoon however police recovered the Patrol which had been abandoned.

Police enquiries placed the 16-year-old in the vicinity of Coconut Grove. He could not be located but the stolen Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi ASX were found abandoned. The 16-year-old was later arrested at Casuarina Square on Sunday by officers from Strike Force Trident.

He has been charged with:

  • 3 x Aggravated unlawful use motor vehicle
  • 1 x Attempt unlawful entry
  • 1 x Unlawful entry – building
  • 1 x Unlawful entry – dwelling
  • 2 x Damage property
  • 1 x Stealing

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Darwin Youth Justice Court today.

Police are continuing their investigations to locate the remaining offenders.

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