Four youths between the ages of 14 and 16 and an 18 year-old have been taken into custody following the unlawful entry of the local school and theft of a Toyota Hilux.

Sergeant Andrew Littman from the Numbulwar Police Station said the youths were apprehended by Police after the vehicle ran out of fuel 30 kilometres from Numbulwar.

“The youths had allegedly broken into the school where they located the keys to the vehicle. Their intention was to travel to Numbulwar however they ran out of fuel near Policeman’s Crossing on the Ngukurr access road.

"Police attended and placed the youths under arrest before putting some fuel in the recovered vehicle and driving it back to Numbulwar.”

Sergeant Littman said Borroloola Police had done a great job identifying the alleged suspects and putting an alert out to nearby stations on their possible destination.

“With help from members of the public we were able to find them at about 2.30pm yesterday.  All in all it is a good result for Police.”

Sergeant Littman said it was fortunate the group were found when they were as they had no provisions and were suffering various levels of exposure, thirst and hunger.

“Their situation could have become very serious and they appeared quite relieved to see Police.”

Four of those arrested were charged with offences relating to the unlawful entry of the school and theft of the vehicle. One was released to be considered for Youth Diversion.