Operation Archer was previously deployed in Alice Springs early August 2024 to provide an immediate response to stolen motor vehicle crimes. Operation Archer was recommenced yesterday to support frontline police and Strike Force Viper investigators with additional capability to stop high risk property crime involving stolen motor vehicles and resulting attacks on police.
Operation Archer personnel responded to two instances of stolen motor vehicle crime in Alice Springs overnight.
The first instance, at 4:15pm on Saturday, was reports of a vehicle stolen during a burglary in East Side and later driven dangerously in the CBD prior to being dumped after 10:30pm. During the driving in the CBD the occupants of the stolen motor vehicle threw rocks at police and other frontline workers, damaging vehicles but not injuring officers or workers.
The second instance, at 1:30am this morning, was reports a security guard was robbed of his car keys at knife point near the Olive Pink Botanical Gardens. This stolen motor vehicle again returned to the CBD and drove dangerously. Operation Archer personnel pursued the vehicle onto a dirt track where it attempted to evade police and throw projectiles including fireworks at officers.
This stolen motor vehicle was successfully apprehended when it slowed on the dirt track and the occupants fled into the bush. All seven children, aged 15, 14, 13, 13, 12, 12, and 11 were arrested at the scene. All children remain in police custody this morning, except the 11-year-old who was released into the care of a responsible adult.
Strike Force Viper are leading investigations and police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2400097558. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Commander James Gray-Spence said "Operation Archer will continue in Alice Springs, both investigating overnight offences and also generating significant proactive activity, targeting an established list of wanted offenders.
"Operation Archer demonstrates our steadfast commitment to reduce all crime with coordinated responses using all available frontline, investigative and specialist capabilities.
"Thank you to police and frontline workers who deploy each and every night in Alice Springs responding to significant incidents. Your dedicated team work keeping Alice Springs safe is appreciated by everyone in the community."
