Strike Force Trident members have charged a 13-year-old youth after he allegedly set two vehicles alight and stole a purse from another vehicle over the weekend.

About 11.30pm on Saturday night the youth allegedly stole a purse from a vehicle in Palmerston.

He was then observed on Police CCTV about 1:15am on Sunday riding a bike towards a golf buggy owned by a security company parked in the car park of a Palmerston shopping centre.

Police CCTV operators then observed a fire begin, completely engulfing the golf buggy in flames.

At 3.32am, the youth was then observed by Police CCTV operators in another Palmerston shopping centre car park armed with an edged weapon.

The youth was observed allegedly pouring accelerants over the top of a Mitsubishi Lancer before attempting to set fire to the vehicle.

After several unsuccessful attempts the vehicle became engulfed in flames and extensive damage was caused.

The youth remained in the area and was observed by Police CCTV operators watching on as the vehicle burnt.

Palmerston police officers and fire-fighters arrived at the location to extinguish the fire and Police CCTV operators directed members to the location of youth who was subsequently placed under arrest.

The youth was also found to be in possession of two edged weapons and various identification cards belonging to the owner of the purse stolen earlier.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland said this was another example of the excellent work being done by the CCTV operators.

“The CCTV operators continue to provide invaluable operational support to members, who in this case were able to effect an immediate arrest,” Sen-Sgt Bland said.

The youth was charged with:

• 2 x Arson

• 1 x Possess, carry, use controlled weapon – Night

• 1 x Unlawfully possess property

• 1 x Trespass

The youth was remanded in custody and was due to appear in the court today.