Northern Territory Police in Alice Springs have arrested a youth following a pursuit involving a stolen motor vehicle overnight.

It is alleged an unknown offender unlawfully entered a Kilgariff residence, stealing car keys and subsequently a motor vehicle sometime in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Just before 9pm the vehicle was seen travelling south of the Stuart Highway by members of the Southern Dog Operations Unit who initiated a pursuit.

The pursuit was terminated a short time after due to the speeds the vehicle was travelling. The vehicle was later found abandoned on the Santa Teresa Road after it struck a kangaroo. Police Dog Loki was deployed from the scene and tracked one of the occupants in nearby bushland.

A 16-year-old is currently assisting police with their enquiries. Police believe several other youths were in the vehicle at the time of the incident and investigations continue.

Acting Officer in Charge of the Alice Springs Police Station, Senior Sergeant Conan Robertson urged residents to remember to secure their homes and properties and keep items such as cash and car keys out of sight.

“Unfortunately we still have opportunistic offenders gaining entry into a property and going straight for the car keys,” said A/ Snr Sgt Robertson

“This can result in a vehicle being stolen, driven recklessly and later abandoned, this puts all road users at risk and extensively inconveniences the owners.

“Where possible, secure your property and put your keys and valuables in a discreet place to avoid becoming a victim. Not only will it protect yourself and your property but also your community.”