Northern Territory Police Strike Force Viper officers have charged five youths after multiple vehicles were stolen across the Alice Springs and Macdonnell Region on Sunday.
At 11pm, the group allegedly stole two vehicles from a school on the Stuart Highway before driving them out to a remote community west of Alice Springs. A Mitsubishi Pajero was recovered severely damaged by Papunya police the following morning.
Yesterday, Kintore police notified other responding units of the sighting of the stolen Mitsubishi Triton and a Toyota Hilux, reported stolen the night before, driving out of the remote community.
Officers from Strike Force Viper, Operation Drina, Southern Drones and Southern Dog Operations coordinated an apprehension on Larapinta Drive. A tyre deflation device was successfully deployed and the youths were arrested without incident.
One 13-year-old, a 14-year-old and two 15-year-olds were charged with driving and bail offences and were remanded to appear in court today. A second 14-year-old will be dealt with in accordance with the Youth Justice Act.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Kent said "The apprehension of these youths can be accredited to the teamwork and professionalism of all officers involved across a 680km distance.
"This is a highly commendable outcome."
