Police have charged an 18-year-old man in relation to the alleged criminal damage of an aircraft in Gapuwiyak overnight.

Acting Senior Sergeant Alex Brennan, Officer in Charge of the Nhulunbuy Police Station said the offender has entered the Gapuwiyak airport at around 6:30pm.

“Police allege the offender attempted to leaver open a rear passenger access door of the GippsAero G8 Caravan and has damaged the door seal in the process.

“The alleged offender then entered the aircraft from the front door and removed the control locks, throttle, propeller and mixture controls.

“The 18-year-old was charged with damage to property and has been bailed to appear at the Gapuwiyak Court of Summary Jurisdiction 2 April.

“Police believe the offender was looking for fuel, as this type of offending is typical of the problems sniffers cause in remote communities.”