Detectives from Strike Force Vega have charged a 13-year-old male, following a number of property offences in Alice Springs this week.

Detective Senior Sergeant Leith Phillips said the youth allegedly unlawfully entered a residence in Alice Springs and stole a Mitsubishi Pajero on Monday night.

‘The youth is also believed to have unlawfully entered a residence in The Gap and stole a laptop computer, three pairs of shoes and cigarettes early Thursday morning.

“Police recovered the Mitsubishi and conducted forensic testing on both the vehicle and the residence in The Gap. Fingerprints from both scenes were developed matching the 13-year-old.”

“This is an example of outstanding forensic work in which the fingerprints were matched to the youth within two hours of them being obtained by Forensic Officers.”

Police arrested the youth yesterday and charged him with:

Unlawful use of a motor vehicle

Aggravated enter dwelling with intent

Stealing.

He will appear in Alice Springs Youth Justice Court on 20 January 2014.