NT Police investigate after children break into Alice Springs pet stores looking for toys

Alice Springs kids out on the street past midnight smashed their way into two pet stores | Mop handle used to smash woman’s window in ‘scary’ home robbery. More Red Centre crime news >

Alice Springs police and crime news. Picture: Grenville Turner

Welcome to the NT News’ weekly Alice Springs and Central rolling police, crime, traffic, fire and breaking news blog. Keep up with the latest news from Alice Springs right up to the Barkly.

Tuesday, February 4: A group of children out on the streets after midnight smashed their way into two Alice Springs pet stores to steal toys.

Southern Watch Commander Dianne Ward said half a dozen children were captured on CCTV about 12.45am smashing the front doors of two pet care stores in Ciccone.

“The young kids have got in and they’ve only stolen a few items,” Ms Ward said.

“I think they’ve stolen balls and just toys, animal toys.

“Probably the damage to the doors will be the major cost there unfortunately.”

Ms Ward said “very small” children under 10 years old appeared to be part of the group of school aged kids.

The rate of young people experiencing homelessness in the Northern Territory is almost 12 times the Australian average.

The pet shop break-in comes as police also investigate an unrelated “scary” snatch-and-grab robbery in a Larapinta home.

Ms Ward said a 51-year-old woman was shocked as a mop broom handle shattered through her window at 8.30pm.

“(There were) three females wearing bandannas to cover their faces,” she said.

“One of the females reached inside the window, grabbed her bag and threatened her.”

“Very scary for the female occupant.”

Ms Ward said the women then fled the scene.

Forensic examiners will attend the unit, with investigators also seeking CCTV from the areas.

Originally published as NT Police investigate after children break into Alice Springs pet stores looking for toys