Northern Territory Police have arrested a group in relation to a ram raid incident that occurred in Berry Springs last weekend.
It is alleged that on 13 October 2022, two Toyota Landcruisers were stolen from properties in Darwin. Both vehicles were captured on CCTV at a service station in Jingili before heading towards Berry Springs.
One of the stolen vehicles was used to ram the roller door of a bottle shop causing major damage to the entry and subsequently inside the premises. Two employees were onsite at the time and phoned police.
While inside the offenders stole a large sum of cash and quantity of alcohol before fleeing the scene. The vehicle was later sighted by police at a service station in Coolalinga. As police approached, the vehicle was driven off with the pump nozzle still attached, which caused damage to the bowser.
The vehicle was abandoned in Wadeye and recovered by local police on Saturday, before being stored within the police compound. Shortly before 3:30am on Tuesday, a group allegedly entered the police compound and stole the vehicle.
The offenders used the stolen vehicle to ram through the police compound gate, causing significant property damage.
Police were searching for the vehicle when it was sighted an hour later. The offenders fled at high speed driving away from the community, along bush tracks.
The vehicle was later located abandoned a short distance from the community.
Yesterday, local police arrested a 30-year-old man. Following his arrest, five male youths, aged between 16 and 17, attended Wadeye Police Station surrendering themselves.
Five individuals were charged with:
- Aggravated unlawful use of motor vehicle x 2
- Damage to property x 2
- Aggravated unlawful entry
- Stealing
And a 16-year-old was released to be summonsed.
The five were remanded in custody to appear today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland said “This has been an extensive investigation involving members from Strike Force Trident, Dog Operations and members from Daly River and Wadeye.
“This group has caused distress to local business owners and it’s simply not fair that the community has to endure this type of behaviour.
“We’re continuing to investigate and locate further offenders and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444.”
