Strike Force Vega Detectives have charged three youths following the theft of two motor vehicles earlier this month.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Malley said a 14-year-old and two 15-year-old males allegedly stole a Holden Statesmen from a residence in Alice Springs on 19 October.

“Police will allege the youths abandoned the vehicle when it ran out of petrol and went on to steal a Mitsubishi utility from a business in Ciccone.

“It is alleged that the youths drove the vehicle around Alice Springs before abandoning it behind Indarpa Town Camp and attempting to set it on fire.”

Police estimate the damage to the vehicles and property is around $16,500.

The youths were arrested this week and charged with:

Unlawful use of a motor vehicle (x2)

Trespass on enclosed premises

Criminal damage

Attempted arson

Arson

They will appear in Alice Springs Youth Justice Court today.