The Northern Territory Police Force has made multiple arrests in relation to multiple vehicles stolen overnight across the Top End.
On Thursday 3 April, police received reports that a white Toyota Hilux had been stolen from Farrar. On Friday 4 April, police intel identified the Hilux had travelled to the Daly region and was returning to Darwin.
Around 12:25am this morning, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports of a black 4WD driving dangerously in Parap with up to six youths inside.
Around 2:25am a yellow Toyota Stout utility vehicle was reported stolen from a residence in Jingili. It was recovered by police later in the evening after it was found abandoned in Palmerston.
About an hour later, police received reports of suspicious vehicles driving in both the Roseberry and Woodroffe areas. Two vehicles were subsequently found abandoned and confirmed as stolen earlier in the evening from residences in Roseberry and Driver.
Around 4:20am, the white Toyota Hilux was sighted by police on Batchelor Road travelling with the black 4WD and a silver Toyota.
Police initiated a pursuit after the vehicles failed to stop, during which offenders allegedly threw items from the stolen vehicles at police. One police vehicle sustained a broken windscreen, and a police officer inside at the time later required medical treatment to remove glass from their eye.
The pursuit continued onto Coach Road heading towards Adelaide River, where the silver Toyota was abandoned. It was later confirmed as stolen earlier from Bakewell.
The white Toyota Hilux was also abandoned in Adelaide River, and two adults and one youth were arrested.
Police continued pursuing the black 4WD until it ran out of fuel in Daly River. Six youths aged 12, 13, 14, 14, 15 and 15, and one adult were taken into custody by Strike Force Trident and Dog Operations Unit members, with Patrol Dog Cheeko being crucial in the apprehensions.
An additional stolen motor vehicle was also located, believed to be related to an aggravated robbery that occurred in early March. A 13-year-old female and an adult male were taken into custody in relation to this incident.
At this stage, all known stolen motor vehicles have been recovered by police. Investigations remain ongoing and charges are expected to follow.
Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Burns said, “This was an incredibly frustrating night for police.
“The actions of the offenders involved in this crime series were disgraceful, and it is nothing other than pure luck that no one was seriously hurt, or worse.
“I commend the excellent work by all police involved in bringing the offenders into custody, ensuring no further harm to the community could occur.”
Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency dial 000. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
