Police investigating Alice Springs camping store break-in, bows and knives stolen

Eight people are on the run after they stole weapons and cash from an Alice Springs camping store. Here’s what police know.

Northern Territory Police. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

March 29: Police are looking for eight people who stole weapons and cash from an Alice Springs camping store.

An NT Police Spokesman said two compound bows, multiple bolts and knives were among the items stolen from the Wilkinson Street, Ciccone business about 5am Friday.

The spokesman said some of the knives had since been recovered.

He said Strike Force Viper was currently investigating the break in and urged any witnesses to contact police, quoting reference number NTP2400031691.

Man left unconscious near road after Alice Springs assault

March 29: A 31-year-old man who was left unconscious on the side of an Alice Springs road is in a serious condition after he was allegedly assaulted.

Detective Sergeant Janice Kershaw said police responded to the incident – believed to have involved several people – in Braitling about 5am Thursday.

Sergeant Kershaw said St John NT also attended the scene and treated the man for suspected head injuries before taking him to Alice Springs hospital.

She said the man was in a serious but stable condition.

Sergeant Kershaw said Detectives from the Alice Springs Criminal Investigation Branch continued to investigate the incident and urged witnesses to come forward.

“Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or those who may have CCTV or dash cam footage from the area between 5:00am and 5:45am, are urged to contact police on 131 444,” she said.

“Please quote reference number NTP2400031195.”

Just outside of the Alice Springs curfew zone, kids allegedly threaten residents, steal cars

March 29: Three children have been arrested after they allegedly threatened Alice Springs residents with weapons and stole two vehicles from their home.

Southern Watch Commander Terry Simpson said the trio allegedly entered the Gillen home about 10.25pm Thursday.

Gillen sits just outside of the Alice Springs high risk area that falls under the emergency youth curfew, imposed just two days prior by Chief Minister Eva Lawler.

And despite the 14-day curfew, Sergeant Simpson said police had been through a busy night due to alcohol-related crime and domestic violence.

Southern Watch Commander Terry Simpson said police alleged the trio – aged 12, 13, and 17 – entered the Gillen home about 10.25pm Thursday.

He said the kids held knives, screwdrivers, and what appeared to be a firearm.

Sergeant Simpson said the occupants of the home were not injured, and that police were working to determine whether an actual firearm had been present.

He said the group had been arrested in relation to the alleged aggravated burglary and investigations were ongoing.

Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Schumacher said the alleged incident was a “violent, confronting attack on a vulnerable resident”.

“We have 3 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,” he said.

“We are urging all residents in the Gillen area to review their CCTV for suspicious behaviour and to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference 2400031571.”

The two vehicles were found some time later and have been seized for forensic testing.

An NT government spokeswoman said an extra 58 police officers had been sent to Alice Springs with the main purpose of patrolling outside of the CBD.

Child who allegedly escaped custody found and detained

March 27: A 16-year-old boy who escaped youth detention has been arrested and will face fresh charges.

An NT Police spokesperson said the teenager was on day release near Kilgariff Estate when he allegedly fled from Youth Justice Officers about 3.30pm Tuesday.

The spokesperson said the 16-year-old allegedly jumped over the rear fence of the premises when he made his escape.

Southern Watch Commander Robert Griffiths said the boy was located and detained “without incident” by the Youth Outreach Engagement Team, general duties members, CCTV operators, and Strike Force Viper about 11pm.

Sergeant Griffiths said the boy was allegedly found in the Alice Springs CBD and had been returned to the Alice Springs Youth Detention centre.

He said the 16-year-old would be charged in relation to escaping lawful custody.

NT Police initially said the child was in NT Correction custody, however since 2016 youth justice has been managed by Territory Families in line with Royal Commission recommendations.

Man arrested after bystander spotted him on roof

March 26: A man has been arrested after a bystander raised the alarm, believing the man on the roof was trying to break-in.

Southern Watch Commander Robert Griffiths said the owner of a neighbouring Todd St, Alice Springs, business reported the alleged incident about 4.20am Tuesday.

Sergeant Griffiths said the business owner alleged the “person appeared to be breaking in” while standing on the business’ roof.

He said police arrested the 23-year-old man for the offence of trespass.

Sergeant Griffiths said investigations were ongoing to determine whether or not an unlawful entry had occurred.

He said it was a “reasonable night” in Alice Springs broadly, though general duties and Strike Force Viper members attended some other reports of “suspicious persons climbing fences”.

“Through that, we believe we have deterred those persons, preventing any crimes from taking place,” he said.