Two 13-year-olds have been arrested and charged for stealing a taxi and breach of bail

A taxi driver’s momentary lapse of judgment ended badly when two young people allegedly stole his vehicle. Now a pair of teenagers have been charged for a number offences.

Two teens have been arrested and received a series of charges for allegedly stealing a Top End taxi, early on Monday morning.

A taxi driver alleged his Toyota Tarago was stolen while he had momentarily left it unguarded and running out the front of his Fannie Bay home about 3.50am.

The cabbie, who’s phone was left inside the taxi, walked to the Puma service station in Fannie Bay to make a call to authorities.

Police say they received a report that the taxi was seen driving at high speeds through the Greater Darwin area, before stopping at a servo in Palmerston.

Police CCTV operators spotted the two 13-year-olds and notified police in the area – however, the pair fled on foot.

Strike Force Trident investigations lead the dog operations to a Parap unit complex where the two teens were arrested.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland said further charges were likely to be laid once police had possession of the taxi CCTV footage.

“It’s disappointing to see incidents like this continue to occur,” Sergeant Bland said.

Both boys were taken to Palmerston Watch House and charged with a string of offences, including serious breach of bail.

The taxi was returned to the driver undamaged.

Originally published as Two 13-year-olds have been arrested and charged for stealing a taxi and breach of bail