Northern Territory Police have charged multiple offenders after multiple vehicles were stolen this week from businesses around Darwin.
Between 15 October and 17 October, vehicles were stolen from two businesses in Yarrawonga and one in Coconut Grove. Offenders have allegedly returned to one of the businesses to steal further vehicles.
Strike Force Trident began investigations with a number of stolen vehicles located abandoned around the greater Darwin area.
Extensive CCTV was reviewed, with multiple offenders identified.
At 10am on Tuesday, Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit arrested a 16-year-old male, two 17-year-old males and an 18-year-old male at a residence in Darwin City. The group was allegedly in possession of multiple sets of stolen car keys.
Five stolen vehicles were located around the Darwin CBD and Winnellie.
A short time later, officers apprehended a stolen vehicle 15kms outside Daly River and arrested a 21-year-old man and two 14-year-old males.
Eight of the ten stolen vehicles have been recovered, with detectives currently working on locating the final two vehicles.
Three of the seven alleged offenders will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.
The remaining four were charged with multiple counts of using a motor vehicle without consent, trespass, damage to property, theft and aggravated burglary.
In a separate incident, believed to be unrelated early yesterday morning, unknown offenders unlawfully entered a business on Swan Crescent, Winnellie, before stealing two vehicles.
The vehicles were allegedly involved in multiple incidents of dangerous driving throughout the morning in Katherine, with Strike Force Trident, Dog Operations, Traffic and General Duties members being deployed when the vehicle left Katherine and drove north towards Darwin.
Tyre deflation devices were successfully deployed near the Cox Peninsular Highway/Stuart Highway intersection.
The stolen Toyota Corolla stopped a short distance away, with all occupants fleeing into bushland.
Patrol Dog Drax deployed, and a 12-year-old male and two females, aged 15 and 17, were arrested without incident.
Two males, aged 12 and 16, continued to flee through thick bushland and a cordon was established.
Both were arrested a short time later without incident.
One of the 12-year-old males was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.
All other offenders have since been charged with multiple offences, including using a motor vehicle without consent and breaching a suspended sentence.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard said “These arrests were the result of a massive coordinated effort from multiple units and investigations remain ongoing as we work to locate the remaining stolen vehicles.
“We continue to urge anyone who witnesses a crime or suspicious behaviour to make contact on 131 444. You can also anonymously contact through Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.”
