Katherine Investigation Unit detectives have arrested three males aged 18, 18 and 19 in relation to criminal damage caused to two electronic road signs in August last year.

In the early hours of 24 August the males, along with a female aged 20, were travelling from Adelaide River to Katherine when they stopped at the electronic road signs at the Fountain Head intersection on the Stuart Highway.

The signs were placed there to warn motorists of trucks entering onto the highway. It is alleged the males got out of their vehicle and removed the protective cover and smashed the electronic displays inside.

This incident was filmed on a hand held video recorder allegedly by the 20-year-old female passenger and was seized recently during a search warrant on a separate investigation at one of the offender's residence in Katherine.

The damage caused to the two signs is valued at approximately $52 000.

All three males have been charged with aggravated criminal damage and bailed to appear in the Katherine Court on 24 February.

Officer in Charge, Katherine Investigation Unit, Detective Sergeant Tony Henrys said, "Not only is the behaviour of the individuals stupid, these signs are warning devices for motorists and their actions could possibly have jeopardised people's lives."

Media note: Photos are available on request from the Media Unit


Media contact:
Sue Bradley
8922 3531