Northern Territory Police have arrested and charged four people following a challenging weekend of property offending, motor vehicle theft and anti-social behaviour across Alice Springs.
Strike Force Viper arrested and charged two men, aged 20 and 21-years-old in relation to an unlawful entry of a home in Gillen on Sunday morning.
The pair will appear before court charged with one count each of Damage to Property, Unlawful Entry, Stealing and Possess Stolen Property. The offenders have been remanded in custody to appear before local court today.
Strike Force Viper is investigating an unlawful entry of a store inside a shopping centre on Bath Street in which $2000 worth of cigarettes were stolen.
A 10-year-old boy was arrested and charged in relation to the unlawful entry, and members of Strike Force Viper are working to identify five other offenders involved.
Police arrested and charged a 16-year-old male in relation an unlawful entry of a home in East Side at the weekend. He has been charged with one count each of Unlawful Entry and Damage to Property and refused police bail.
Four of the six vehicles which were stolen throughout the weekend have been recovered, and police inquiries continue to locate the two outstanding vehicles.
Southern Region Commander, Craig Laidler said it was a difficult weekend for front line police.
“I’d like to thank the community for the assistance they have provided police during what was clearly a challenging weekend for front line police members,” said Cmdr Laidler
“We’re fed up with the absolute disregard we continue to see and experience firsthand with youth and adult offenders who continue to show complete disregard and respect for our community, businesses and residences. It is extremely concerning to see offenders as young as 10 engaging in this type of offending.”
“Our members are working tirelessly to make our community safer for everyone, and despite our best efforts at the weekend our community was seriously impacted by crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Anyone with information which may assist with investigations is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersnt.com.au
