Police have arrested four youths following an unlawful entry at a shopping centre in Palmerston early Tuesday morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Stringer said it is alleged two males aged 11 and 12 and two females aged 13 and 14 unlawfully entered the centre at around 2:00am.

“It is alleged the offenders stole an iPhone cover before fleeing the area. General Duty Officers arrested the youths a short time later.

“The 11 and 14-year-old were charged with unlawful entry and stealing. The 12 and 13-year-old received Youth Diversion.

“Police allege the 11-year-old also stole an iPhone from a store at Casuarina on Sunday afternoon before threatening security members with a Stanley knife.

“He was also charged with stealing, aggravated assault, breach of bail and armed with an offensive weapon,” Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Stringer said.

The 11-year-old was remanded in custody and will appear in the Youth Justice Court on Friday 30 January.

In a separate incident, Police arrested a 17-year-old male after he allegedly stole two vehicles from a business in Winnellie on 5 December.

“Police recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux twin cab utility valued at $20,000, while a Yamaha Viking 4x4 ATV valued at $23,000 remains outstanding,” Detective Senior Sergeant Stringer said.

“Police allege the youth also unlawfully entered a residence in Driver on 30 December and stole a wallet and credit cards. It is alleged the youth used the credit cards to buy items at service stations and stores across Palmerston.

“Police arrested the male yesterday. While he was being transported to the Watch House it is alleged the youth kicked violently, causing damage to the Police vehicle,” Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Stringer said.

He was charged with:

Damage to property (x2)

Unlawfully obtain property by deception (x5)

Aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle (x2)

Receive stolen property

Trespass

The 17-year-old was remanded in custody and will appear in the Darwin Youth Court on Friday 30 January.