Four male youths are to appear in the Darwin Youth Justice Court today in relation to a number of offences committed in Moulden and Stuart Park within the last four weeks.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Stringer said the youths aged between 11 and 13 are believed to have been involved in five separate incidents from 23 July to 27 August.

“On 23 July Police allege the youths broke into a school in Palmerston, causing around $1,300 worth of damage, including cleaning costs.

“It is alleged they broke into a property in Moulden five days later and caused $200 worth of damage.

“On 17 August it is believed a number of the youths stole an unlocked Toyota Corolla from The Gardens, threw rubbish around and spat throughout the vehicle.

“It is believed the youths stole a Toyota Land Cruiser from a home in Stuart Park on 27 August and drove it to Palmerston. The youths attended the Moulden shops where they allegedly stole a quantity of items.

“Later that same day passers-by noticed a group of youths driving in the Moulden area. The pair approached the youths and kept them there until Police arrived and arrested the group.”

Four youths aged 11; two aged 12 and a 13-year-old were charged with a number of offences including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, criminal damage and drive unlicensed.

A fifth youth, aged 12, received Youth Diversion.

One of the youths has also been charged in relation to damaging Police property whilst being interviewed.

In total the youths have been charged with 25 offences.