Detectives from Strike Force Vega are investigating a series of linked property offences in Alice Springs over the long weekend, resulting in the arrest of five males.
Detective Superintendent Brent Warren said two males, aged 18 and 16, were involved in an unlawful entry at a supermarket in Gillen on Thursday night, and an unlawful entry at a warehouse in Braitling on Saturday night. On both occasions a vehicle was used to force entry into the building.
“Three males, one aged 16 and two aged 17, were also charged in relation to the same unlawful entry at the warehouse in Braitling on Saturday night.
“In all of these breaks, the offenders have allegedly used vehicles to ‘ram raid’ each premises to gain entry.”
The five males have been charged with various offences including:
- Stealing
- Aggravated enter building with intent to commit offence
- Enter and damage a business premises or property within
- Aggravated enter building with intent to commit offence
All five offenders will appear in Alice Springs Magistrates Court today.
A further two arrest targets remain outstanding for the ‘ram raid’ unlawful entry of two sports stores overnight, and a serious assault at Blatherskite Park.
“Police have gathered forensic evidence and CCTV footage from the scenes, and are actively seeking the arrest of a further two persons in relation to the sports store break-ins and the aggravated assault of a security guard at the showgrounds overnight,” Detective Superintendent Warren said.
“Police are actively seeking the whereabouts of Bruce Impu and Richard Palmer and are calling on the public to assist. These two males are arrest targets allegedly involved in this violent offending.
“The vehicle of interest Police believed was used in the sports store ‘ram raids’ is described as a Maroon/Orange coloured Mitsubishi Magna sedan with white ‘GT’ style striping along the center of the bonnet extending to the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle registration number is CA 82 EU.
“We do believe that the offenders in this crime series are all linked, and we are committed to tracking down the outstanding offenders.
“This pattern of offending is the highest priority for the Southern Investigation Division at this time and Investigators are currently following a number of lines of enquiry relating to these incidents,” Detective Superintendent Warren said.
If you see these offenders or the vehicle of interest, please do not to approach these males, but contact Police immediately on 131 444.
