Alice Springs Police are calling for public assistance after two ram raids in two days have caused thousands of dollars in damage to two businesses.

Around 4.15 this morning Police were alerted to an incident at the East Side Club on Undoolya Road.  Witnesses at first thought there had been a car crash but on arrival Police discovered the front doors of the Club had been deliberately driven into.  The vehicle and the offenders had left the scene.

Detective Sergeant Trent Abbott said the damage was extensive and Police were yet to determine the quantity of alcohol stolen.

“The force of the impact has collapsed the double doors inwards and from there the offenders have gained entry.  It appears they were in and out very quickly.”

Police are also investigating an incident at the Gap View Hotel in the early hours of Saturday morning where two stolen vehicles were used to ram a roller door at the back of the building.

Detective Sergeant Abbott said a forklift parked behind the door had prevented full entry but the offenders managed to grab what they could before leaving the scene.

“Police have since recovered a beige Mazda hatchback which was abandoned on Traeger Avenue and a Mitsubishi Ute was identified by a mobile patrol parked in a local petrol station.”

Detective Sergeant Abbott said the occupants of the Ute fled when they saw Police leaving a 13 year-old male to be arrested.  Police found items linking the Ute to the earlier raid.

Police have called for witnesses to the events or anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously in the areas prior to the events to contact Police.  People should also be on the lookout for vehicles with damage consistent with having been in a front end accident.

Anyone with information should call 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000