Northern Territory Police arrest three youths after aggravated burglary in Alice Springs despite youth curfew

Despite a youth curfew in Alice Springs, Northern Territory Police overnight arrested three armed youths after a violent aggravated burglary at gunpoint.

Despite a youth curfew in Alice Springs showing early positive signs, Northern Territory Police overnight arrested three armed youths after an aggravated burglary in the troubled regional centre.

Police received reports around 10:30pm Thursday night that the youths had broken into Standley Crescent, Gillen, armed with various weapons.

Police allege one of the youngsters threatened residents with a firearm before the group stole the keys to two vehicles and fled the scene.

Despite early signs of success from a youth curfew in Alice Springs, Northern Territory Police arrested three armed youths for an aggravated burglary. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Members from Operation Grimmel, Crime and General duties were tasked to the area, and both vehicles abandoned just south of the CBD were recovered.

Three boys, 12, 13 and 17, were arrested shortly after relating to the alleged offending.

“This was a violent, confronting attack on a vulnerable resident,” Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Schumacher said on Friday.

“We have three already in custody and detectives are working swiftly to apprehend the remaining offenders, as well as to confirm what weapons were used and to get them out of our community.”

On Thursday, eerie scenes were photographed in the town as the streets that had been gripped by violence and vandalism in the lead-up to the snap curfew were left deserted.

Under-18s have been banned from the entire CBD from 6pm to 6am and police said no arrests were made on the curfew’s first night.

The Northern Territory Government declared an emergency situation for the area described as the ‘High-Risk Area – Alice Springs Precinct.’

On Wednesday, the Northern Territory Government declared an “emergency situation” for central Alice Springs, labelling it a “high-risk area”.

Standley Crescent falls just outside of the designated curfew area.

The move comes after a spate of incidents, including significant damage amounting to over $30,000 at Todd Tavern, prompting authorities to take proactive measures to address the escalating situation.

The emergency declaration includes enforcing a youth curfew in the high-risk area from 6pm to 6am daily for the next 14 days.

Under this curfew, anyone under 18 years old is prohibited from loitering in the designated area during these hours unless they have a valid reason, such as employment or supervised activities.

“We call upon the senior leadership of our community members to join forces with us in combating the wanton destruction plaguing Alice Springs,” acting deputy commissioner Martin Dole said on Thursday after the first night of the curfew.

The curfew showed on its first night, with Mr Dole confirming: “We had no arrests for breaching the curfew.”

The curfew, imposed due to escalating violence, bans under-18s from the CBD from 6pm to 6am, with no arrests made on its first night. Picture: Supplied

There are ongoing calls for federal support, though Prime Minister Albanese has not confirmed intervention, supporting local management and describing the curfew as a sensible move.

He added, however, that NT Police had arrested the “main offender” involved in Tuesday afternoon’s incident at the Todd Tavern.

The 17-year-old man is currently in police custody and is expected to face charges soon.

Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson expressed optimism about the curfew’s impact on Thursday morning, telling Sky News: “The first night of the curfew had been a lot quieter.”

However, he renewed calls for federal support addressing the town’s challenges.

“Alice Springs is a wonderful place, and with a bit of love and TLC, we can turn it back around,” he added.

Locals in Alice Springs rioted on Tuesday afternoon after a funeral ceremony of teenager killed while travelling in stolen car. Picture: Supplied

While there have been calls for federal intervention, Prime Minister Albanese today did not confirm such action, indicating optimism for local and territorial management of the situation.

He described curfew as a “sensible move”.

“All Australians will be concerned by the scenes that we have seen,” Mr Albanese said.

The emergency measures also involve deploying additional police officers to combat crime and anti-social behaviour in Alice Springs.

Additionally, Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors have been tasked with overseeing all bottle shops in the town during the curfew.

“We urge all residents to familiarise themselves with the designated areas on the map and engage in conversations with youths to ensure adherence to the curfew,” urged Mr Dole.