Operation Crowne investigators have arrested seven youths overnight in relation to a series of property crime incidents around the Nightcliff and Rapid Creek areas.

Police have seized several bicycles, laptop computers and mobile phones among a haul of recovered items alleged to have been stolen from dwellings and motor vehicles in the surrounding suburbs.

Superintendent James O’Brien of the Casuarina Division said Operation Crowne is an ongoing initiative involving local Tactical Teams and the Drug and Organised Crime Division who are actively targeting property crime and low level drug offending.

“Thanks to some thorough analysis of recent criminal activity in the Casuarina area our investigators had identified a number of suspects and that work has resulted in the arrests and the recovery of a significant amount of property.”

Superintendent O’Brien said that unfortunately many of the crimes committed were opportunistic.

“The public are reminded that this activity increases when valuables are left in plain sight within vehicles or when properties are left unlocked.  It is important that we remain vigilant to the possibility of offenders taking advantage of a simple lapse in security.”

Superintendent O’Brien also suggested that people who own smart phones or tablets utilise the ‘Find my Phone’ applications if they can.

“If the application is activated on these devices the chances of recovery increases ten-fold if they are stolen or even lost.”

The seven youths, aged between 13 and 17, will be considered for Youth Diversion.