Alice Springs crime: Youths in custody, stolen cars recovered, and officers ankle broken as NT police ‘Operation Archer’ continues

Northern Territory Police say “more arrests are anticipated” as the latest operation continues, with multiple stolen cars recovered so far and several youths now in custody. Find out more.

Police patrols at the streets of Alice Springs. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The latest Alice Springs police operation has resulted in multiple youths in custody – some of which have already been released – and several stolen cars recovered, but an officer was injured chasing down an offender, Northern Territory police say.

Police said they launched “Operation Archer” on Thursday, August 8, in response to a string of incidents in the town – including rocks being thrown at cops, and multiple cars stolen.

With Strike Force Viper at the helm, police said so far the operation had resulted in five youths being taken into custody and the recovery of seven stolen vehicles.

Alice Springs frontline police are also supporting the operation, alongside “specialist policing capabilities” from Darwin, the drone unit, and the dog squad.

Police said the operation responded to “multiple incidents” of stolen vehicles in the Alice Springs suburbs of Larapinta, Eastside, and Ciccone last night.

Northern Territory police patrol the streets of Alice Springs. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Police said all stolen vehicles have now been recovered.

This includes three Toyota HiLuxes and a Ford Ranger from Ciccone, a Toyota Corolla from Eastside, and a Nissan Pulsar and Kia Sportage from Larapinta.

Police said several youths were taken into custody as part of the operation, including a nine year old, an 11 year old, a 12 year old, and two 14 year olds.

“The nine and 11 year olds have been released into the care of responsible adults, the 12 year old will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005 and the two 14 year olds remain in police custody this morning,” police said.

A police officer who suffered a broken ankle chasing one of the offenders has been released from hospital after treatment, police say.

Commander James Gray-Spence said Operation Archer would continue this week – with more arrests to come.

“Operation Archer demonstrates the Northern Territory Police Force’s commitment to put a stop to recent stolen motor vehicle crimes,” he said.

“Further arrests are anticipated as Northern Territory Police continue our investigation into recent incidents.”

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.