Detectives from Strike Force Trident have arrested three male youths in relation to the theft of nine vehicles from a rental car yard in Winnellie early this morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Stringer said two males aged 17 and a 14-year-old and a number of other youths allegedly unlawfully entered the car yard on Raphael Road at around 4:30am and stole the vehicles.

“Police allege the youths were hooning along Kirkland Drive, Palmerston before crashing one of the vehicles.

“Strike Force Trident has recovered seven of the stolen vehicles which were found abandoned around Palmerston.

“Police are still looking for two outstanding vehicles, a white Toyota Corolla – CA 91 WX and a grey Toyota Camry – CA 83 HJ.

“Police also allege the offender’s stole two vehicles from a residence in Rosebery, one vehicle from a residence in Bakewell and one vehicle from a residence in Coconut Grove early this morning.

“Strike Force Trident has recovered two of the stolen vehicles and are still looking for a Grey Subaru Forrester – CA 41 ZU and a blue Nissan Navara –CA 84 WR.”

Police arrested two 17-year-olds at a residence in Gray and the 14-year-old at a residence in Alawa this morning.

They are expected to be charged later today.

Police urge anyone who may have any information in relation to these incidents or anyone with information about the outstanding stolen vehicles to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.