Northern Territory Police have launched Operation Archer in Alice Springs on Thursday 8 August in response to recent stolen motor vehicle incidents that included throwing rocks at police and damaging a security vehicle.
The operation is led by Strike Force Viper, supported by Alice Springs frontline, the Drone Unit and specialist policing capabilities from Darwin, Road Policing and Support service area including Police K9's.
Overnight, Operation Archer personnel attended multiple incidents in Alice Springs involving stolen motor vehicles taken from Eastside, Larapinta, and Ciccone.
As a result, police have recovered all stolen motor vehicles including:
- A Toyota Corolla from Eastside
- A Nissan Pulsar from Larapinta
- A Ford Ranger and three Toyota Hiluxes from Ciccone
- A Kia Sportage from Larapinta
Across the series police took into custody a 9, 11, 12, and two 14-year-old youths. The 9 and 11-year-olds have been released into the care of responsible adults, the 12-year-old will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005 and the two 14-year-olds remain in police custody this morning.
A police officer suffered a broken ankle chasing after other offenders during one of the incidents. He was treated and released from Alice Springs Hospital to recover.
Commander James Gray-Spence said, "Operation Archer demonstrates the Northern Territory Police Force's commitment to put a stop to recent stolen motor vehicle crimes.
"A large number of dedicated officers have deployed in a coordinated effort over the last 48 hours and utilised a range of capabilities to achieve the above results.
"Operation Archer will continue into next week with Strike Force Viper investigators supported by colleagues from Strike Force Trident.
"Further arrests are anticipated as Northern Territory Police continue our investigation into recent incidents."
Anyone with information in relation to these incidents is strongly urged to come forward and contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
