Strike Force Vega Detectives have arrested three males in relation to a series of unlawful entries in Alice Springs and surrounding areas.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Leith Phillips said two youths aged 13 and 16, unlawfully entered five businesses in The Gap, Ciccone and the CBD between Sunday and Monday morning.

“Police will allege the youths stole iPads, knives, a power drill, keys and around $100 cash from the five premises. It is estimated that around $1,500 worth of damage was caused when they gained entry.

“The two youths also allegedly stole a mini bus from a business in Ti Tree on Sunday afternoon. Police allege the youths drove the mini bus back to Alice Springs and used it to travel to the five businesses they allegedly broke into.

“Police have since recovered the bus, along with most of the stolen property from the businesses.

“Police also allege the 16-year-old unlawfully entered two businesses in East Side and the CBD in May and June this year. The youth allegedly stole around $400 cash, a Toyota Hilux dual cab and caused around $3,000 worth of damage.

“In a separate incident, Strike Force Vega Detectives arrested a 19-year-old man in relation to an unlawful entry and theft of a vehicle from a residence in Ntaria earlier this month.”

All three males were arrested this morning and are expected to be charged later today.

“Strike Force Vega Detectives have been working to locate and arrest these property offenders. It is evidence of the great work our property Detectives are doing in Alice Springs to keep offenders accountable to the community in which we live,” Detective A/Senior Sergeant Phillips said.