Two people have been arrested during a covert police operation in Alice Springs last night.

Police received a report just before 11pm that a break-in had occurred at the Northside Foodland supermarket. The alleged offender smashed a window panel to gain entry to the supermarket but fled when confronted by a security guard inside the building.

Just before 1.30am the 19-year-old offender returned and again unlawfully entered the building, however this time he was confronted by two police officers inside. The offender fled but was apprehended a short time later. He has been charged with unlawfully entering a building at night with intent to commit a crime, unlawfully damaging property. He was remanded in custody to appear in the Alice Springs Magistrates Court today.

Meanwhile a 22-year-old man will also face court today after he was arrested at the Flavours of India Restaurant on Undoolya Road in the early hours of this morning. The man allegedly threw a rock through the glass door to gain entry to the premises just after 12.30am. He was apprehended by two police officers who were inside the restaurant. He was found to be in possession of a knife and has been charged with entering a building at night with intent to commit a crime, unlawfully damaging property and possessing, carrying and using a weapon at night.

Superintendent Lance Godwin stated the covert operation was in response to repeated break-ins of the business premises.

"Police will continue to conduct these types of operations where businesses are repeatedly targeted for the purpose of stealing alcohol," Supt Godwin Said.

"This trend is unacceptable and Police will continue to be innovative in their approach to apprehending these offenders and deterring this type of behaviour."


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