Northern Territory Police have arrested eight people in relation to stolen motor vehicles around Darwin.
At around 12pm yesterday, a white Toyota Hilux believed to be involved in an unlawful entry in Berrimah was apprehended in Johnston. Three males, aged 15, 18 and 19 were arrested without incident. The 15-year-old will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005. The 19 and 18-year-olds were charged with driving offences and are expected to appear in court at a later date.
Around the same time, police engaged a short pursuit of a blue Toyota Landcruiser through Johnston before terminating for safety reasons. A short time later the vehicle was sighted on Rapid Creek Road. Police located the vehicle abandoned in nearby mangroves. Strike Force Trident, Darwin Traffic Operations, the Dog Operation Unit and general duties were deployed and a cordon formed around the area.
Pressure from patrol dogs Drax and Wedge resulted in three males, aged 13, 16 and 20 being arrested in Alawa after fleeing the cordon. The 13 and 16-year-olds will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005. The 20-year-old was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle and is expected to appear in court today.
The remaining two males, aged 16 and 17, were located by police in Jingili and were arrested without incident. They were both charged with aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle and serious breach of bail. Both are expected to appear in court today.
Senior Sergeant Kaye Pemberton said, “Investigations are ongoing and these arrests are again the result of the fantastic work from numerous branches of our agency working together.
“The incredibly difficult terrain the patrol dogs and their handlers covered in order to locate these offenders is a testament to just how much of an asset they are.
“NT Police will continue to combat property crime in all its forms.”
Media note: Body worn video footage available on request
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