Northern Territory Police have recovered two stolen firearms and arrested a 15-year-old after a stolen vehicle was driven from Daly River to Darwin.
At around 3:00am yesterday, a grey Toyota Landcruiser was stolen from Daly River. The vehicle, which contained two firearms and ammunition, was reported stolen by the owner later that morning.
Police will allege the stolen vehicle was driven to Darwin, where the occupants filmed themselves inside the vehicle, including handling one of the stolen firearms.
Acting on intelligence, Strike Force Trident members, supported by the Dog Operations Unit and Operation Ventura, conducted searches before locating and recovering the stolen Landcruiser in Gray.
While the firearms were not inside the vehicle, police recovered a quantity of ammunition. Enquiries with a local business owner in Gray provided descriptions of four persons of interest, who were subsequently located and arrested in Palmerston CBD a short time later.
During the arrest, Strike Force Trident seized a mobile phone containing video evidence allegedly showing a 15-year-old male and others travelling in the stolen vehicle and in possession of one of the stolen firearms.
Further enquiries led police to conduct searches of bushland off Jenkins Road and near the Palmerston Boat Ramp, where both stolen rifles and additional ammunition were successfully recovered.
As part of the investigation, police also located and recovered a second stolen vehicle that had allegedly been stolen from Bakewell the previous night and abandoned in bushland near Moulden.
The 15-year-old has since been charged with breach of bail and drive, use or ride in a stolen motor vehicle.
The owner of the firearms has been issued with a Notice to Appear in relation to alleged firearm storage requirements.
Investigations are continuing surrounding the circumstances of the offending.
Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Burns from Strike Force Trident said the quick response by police led to an excellent result.
“Recovering these firearms before they could be used to commit further offences was our priority, and this is a great outcome for community safety.”
“This investigation involved a fantastic team effort between Strike Force Trident, the Dog Operations Unit and Operation Ventura. I’d also like to give a special mention to Patrol Dog Drax, whose nose led police straight to the hidden firearms.”
“We also thank the members of the public and local business owners who provided information that helped move the investigation forward.”
