Teens on run after businesses ram-raided

TWO teens have been arrested and another two remain on the run from police after they allegedly ramraided several Darwin businesses

PINT Club Assistant Manager Jenny Burford assesses the damage from the break-in. Ms Burford says the thieves caused more than $15,000 damage. Picture: KATRINA BRIDGEFORD

TWO teens have been arrested and another two remain on the run from police after they allegedly ramraided several Darwin businesses.

The two boys, both 13, were arrested at a Tiwi property yesterday after breaking into 10 businesses and stealing fuel during the crime spree.

The car used in the ram-raids was stolen and police believe the driver was involved in the thefts which included the PINT Club at Marrara and the Wagaman Supermarket.

The stolen car was last seen driving away from a Palmerston petrol station.

PINT Club assistant manager Jenny Burford said the gang rammed the pub’s glass doors at around 4am.

She said the club’s CCTV showed two men left the car and forced their way into the premises.

Ms Burford said the thieves caused upwards of $15,000 of damage but only left with $30 cash and a handful of UDL cans. She said they dropped a bottle of Chivas Regal on the way out.

“We’re only a small club. It’s hurt us big time,” she said.

“We are insured but how long does it take to get the insurance.

“We are already struggling. We don’t need this on top.”

Wagaman Supermarket owner Nathan Lim said the thieves caused nearly $2000 trying to ram through a door at the rear of his supermarket.

He said the thieves failed to get into his shop but the damage bill was another unwanted expense. “It’s frustrating for me because business is down, it’s down about 40 per cent,” he said. “When you get things like this happen it costs a few thousand dollars.

“We have to pay the excess and they (the insurance companies) just don’t say yes. You have to show them proof.”

Strike Force Trident Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Jordan said all 10 break-ins were believed to be carried out by the same group of teens.

“It seems, like in the previous crime sprees, they are after cash and the money they are getting is very small amounts. In comparison to the damage they are causing it’s very disproportionate,” he said.

“The stolen car is a Nissan Ultima, brown in colour. It’s got to be some where around the Darwin area, in particular the northern suburbs.”

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24 hours a day.