Two Katherine businesses targeted by youths in separate attempted armed carjackings

Police are searching for a group of offenders following two separate armed attempted carjackings in Katherine. Read the details.

Police are still searching for the alleged offenders. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Welcome to the NT News’ weekly Darwin and Top End rolling police, crime, traffic, fire and breaking news blog. Keep up with the latest news from the Darwin and Katherine regions, and across the Top End.

July 24, 6.30am: Two separate businesses in Katherine were targeted in alleged, attempted armed carjackings on Monday night, with the alleged offenders still on the run.

An NT Police spokesman said the first incident occurred about 9.40pm at a business on Riverbank Drive.

“It is alleged that three male youths approached an employee at the facility and threatened him with a knife,” the spokesman said.

“They demanded their keys and subsequently stole the victim’s vehicle.

“While attempting to exit the location, the offenders crashed into a fence, causing them to abandon the vehicle and flee the scene on foot.

“Police attended, and a crime scene was established.

“The alleged offenders remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.”

Police say later on the same night, there was a separate alleged armed carjacking at another business in Katherine South about 11.05pm.

In this incident, the lone staff member locked themselves in the staff room to save themselves from the group.

“An employee working at the location was threatened with a knife for their vehicle keys,” the spokesman said.

“The employee was able to secure themselves in the staff room with the offenders banging on the door until they heard the victim call police.

“Before fleeing the scene, the group allegedly attempted to steal a vehicle that was parked outside but were unsuccessful.

“Police attended and a crime scene was established.

“The group remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.

“It is not known at this stage if the two incidents are linked.

“Police urge anyone with information pertaining to either incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25195157.”

Ash rains on Darwin CBD as multiple fires burn in the Top End

July 21, 1.30pm: Ash is raining down on the Darwin CBD as multiple fires burn in the Top End, signalling the fire season is well and truly underway.

According to the NT Fire and Rescue Service as at 1.30pm on Monday there was a grass and scrub fire burning at East Arm, and advice level fires at Bellamack, Weddell, Noonamah, Koolpinyah, Manton, and Darwin River Dam, Rakula, and Beswick Creek.

All of those fires were deemed “under control”, however warnings were issued to drivers in the area where smoke could affect visibility.

“For the safety of firefighting crews and other vehicles, drivers in the area are urged to slow down, turn on headlights and drive safely for the conditions,” Bushfires NT said.

Last week NT fireys officially declared the start of the fire danger period for the Savanna Fire Management Zone, while the Vernon Arafura zone danger period was declared at the start of the month.

Originally published as Two Katherine businesses targeted by youths in separate attempted armed carjackings