Officers dedicated to Operation Thresher in Alice Springs have recovered two vehicles recently stolen from a Gillen residence.

Last Wednesday the elderly couple aged 78 and 79, woke to find their Subaru Forester and Rover Quintet missing.

Initial investigations revealed thieves found a spare key to the house and used it to gain entry.

Keys to the vehicles were then located and the cars stolen.

Overnight Police located both of them.

“Fortunately for the owners, both vehicles were not damaged.” Said Senior Sergeant Dave Richardson.

“They’re now undergoing forensic testing to try to determine who was responsible for the theft.”

“Not all vehicle thefts result in owners getting them back in good condition, fortunately in this case it ended positively for the couple.” Said Sen Sgt Richardson.

Police continue to remind people most thefts are opportunistic. People are encouraged to secure their cars and houses and not leave valuables in sight of thieves.