Alice Springs Police: Teens allegedly steal car, joy ride through town

Four teens allegedly nicked keys from an Alice Springs library visitor and an unsuspecting delivery driver.

FOUR teenagers allegedly took a stolen car on a joy ride through Alice Springs after nicking keys from a library visitor and a delivery driver.

NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services said police apprehended four people, aged 14 to 19-years-old, this weekend over allegations they stole two vehicles.

A 19-year-old man was alleged to have grabbed a woman’s handbag from the public library before driving off in her car, which was parked outside around noon on Friday, November 12.

Later that evening a delivery driver arrived at a Gillen address only to turn around to see his vehicle being stolen.

Police allege an unknown male stole the black Hyundai Getz just after 9pm.

Police said the vehicle was later seen by officers driving in the Alice Springs CBD.

A coordinated strike involving the dog squad, Community Engagement and Strike Force Viper officers stopped the stolen vehicle near the Alice Springs Town Council lawns.

The second vehicle stolen from the library visitor was also recovered.

The 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old male were arrested and charged with two counts of stealing, two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts of driving while disqualified, and one count of dangerous driving.

Police said two teenagers, aged 16 and 14-years-old, would be dealt with under the Youth Justice Act for the alleged unlawful use of a vehicle.