Eight people have been arrested following three unlawful entries at a Tennant Creek hotel on consecutive nights this week.

The first unlawful entry occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Thieves gained entry by climbing onto the roof of the hotel and smashing air conditioning vents. They then crawled into the ceiling cavity before smashing through the ceiling and dropping into the premises. They then stole a large quantity of alcohol and cigarettes before exiting the same way.

Further break-ins occurred on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Over the three days police investigations led to the arrest of three adults, aged 24, 21 and 22 and five juveniles aged from 13 to 17.

Superintendent Bruce Porter said four offenders were caught on the premises during the break-in in the early hours of Thursday morning. One person was caught on the premises and a further three were arrested when they were found inside the ceiling cavity.

The other offenders were arrested as investigations progressed during the three days.

All offenders except one 13-year-old boy have been charged with numerous offences including unlawful entry of a building at night with intent to commit a crime, unlawfully damaging property and stealing. They have all been bailed with curfew conditions to appear in the Tennant Creek Magistrates Court on February 3.

The 13-year-old will be considered for Youth Diversion.

Almost $1500 worth of alcohol and cigarettes were stolen during the three days with damage estimated at about $6000.

Superintendent Porter said further arrests were expected.

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