Strike Force Cerberus has arrested four youths in relation to a crime series that occurred across Katherine on Wednesday and Thursday,
Around 5:30pm on Wednesday, two male youths allegedly stole a 62-year-old female's car keys and fled the scene in her vehicle. The vehicle was located abandoned on Pearce Street after crashing along Shephard Street.
Around 1am on Thursday, offenders entered an address on the Victoria Highway and stole car keys before ramming the front fence while fleeing the scene in a red Mazda CX-3.
Later at 3am, a white Holden Colorado utility was stolen from an address on Emungalan Road after keys had been left inside the vehicle.
Shortly after, a 2011 Grey Toyota Prado was taken from a separate address on Emungalan Road. The vehicle remains outstanding.
All three stolen motor vehicles were observed driving around Katherine township in a dangerous matter.
A male and female, both aged 38, attempted to chase the offenders from their premises after being woken by them. During the altercation, the offenders allegedly threatened to kill the victims.
When fleeing the scene in the Prado, offenders threw items from the vehicle, one of which struck the male victim in the shin.
Four youths aged 12, 12, 16 and 13 have since been arrested.
The 13-year-old will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005, while the remaining youths remain in custody.
The Mazda CX-3 and Holden Colorado were later located abandoned in bushland along Gwendoline Drive. They were seized and towed for forensic examination. The Prado remains outstanding and has not been recovered.
Katherine Division Acting Superintendent Warren Scott said "I would like to commend the officers who deployed to these incidents and the investigators who have quickly identified and arrested these offenders.
"No one deserves to be the victim of crime, however, police would reiterate the importance of keeping your vehicles secure as criminals are always looking to take advantage of opportunistic situations."
Anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam, is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2600041353 or NTP2600041392 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.
