Alice Springs crime: Police investigating string of damaged cars on Gap Rd

Almost 20 cars have been damaged in Alice Springs overnight, with police on the hunt for a group of suspected offenders | Multiple break-ins reported in separate incident. Latest Alice Springs news.

Northern Territory Police Force. Picture: File

January 18: Alice Springs police are searching for a group of offenders after a string of cars were damaged on a single residential road.

Southern Watch Commander Terry Simpson said about 18-19 damaged cars along Gap Rd were reported about 4am on Thursday.

Sergeant Simpson said the scene had been attended by police for “insurance purposes only” after the report, but that cops would return to speak with the car owners during the day.

“We didn’t want to wake up all to the victims because it was security who alerted us to this one,” he said.

Sergeant Simpson said no injuries were reported and no arrests had been made.

He said police were searching for about four or five people in relation to the incident.

In a separate incident, Sergeant Simpson said police were investigating four break-ins in the Braitling area.

Sergeant Simpson said two of the incidents had not been attended yet because they were still in their “infancy”.

He said one of the incidents police had attended was reported at 5.40pm Wednesday, where cash and “small items” were stolen.

Sergeant Simpson could not confirm when the second incident had been reported.

He said police were assessing CCTV footage to identify any offenders.

Woman allegedly assaults officer in car chase

NT Police have arrested a woman after chasing down a vehicle driving dangerously through the middle of Alice Springs.

Police received reports a white Ford Falcon was driving dangerously around Alice Springs in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A drone unit spotted the car driving towards the town on the Stuart Hwy just before The Gap about 1.40am.

Police successfully deployed a tyre deflation device at the Tom Brown roundabout with the vehicle coming to a stop on Telegraph Terrace a short time later.

The 18-year-old alleged driver fled the vehicle and was arrested shortly after by a pursuing police officer.

The offender allegedly assaulted the officer during the arrest causing minor injuries.

She remains in custody and is expected to be charged with driving in a dangerous manner, refusing breath analysis, assault police and multiple traffic offences

Senior Sergeant Evan Kelly said the arrest was the result of communication between the drone unit and general duties officers.

“Unfortunately one of our members was (allegedly) assaulted in the process, again highlighting the risks our frontline face every day as they go about protecting and serving the community,” Sergeant Kelly said.

“It goes without saying that this sort of behaviour is reprehensible and if you assault an officer you will be charged for it.”

Police urge the public to contact police if they witness crime or anti-social behaviour to contact 131 444 or in an emergency contact triple-zero.

IGA plundered of booze after thieves cut through brick wall

January 15, 1.48pm: A trio of teens aged between 11–13 have been arrested after they were allegedly disturbed by a resident mid-home invasion.

Northern Territory police responded to reports of an unlawful entry in Araluen in the early hours of Sunday morning, NT police said.

Police will allege that three youths unlawfully entered a residence through a window, where they were confronted by the occupant before fleeing outside.

Undeterred, the trio then moved to the front of the property, and began throwing rocks at the windows.

One of the youths brandished a metal pole, allegedly threatening the occupant and striking the door, demanding entry.

The occupant sought refuge inside a room, contacting the police for assistance.

Meanwhile, the youths re-entered the premises before fleeing the scene.

Police attended the scene, swiftly locating the group with the assistance of the Dog Operations Unit nearby.

All three boys, aged between 11 and 13, were taken to Alice Springs Watch House. One was charged with damage to property and aggravated burglary.

“This would have been a very scary situation for the occupant, and we commend him for reporting the incident to police as quickly as he could,” Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Budge said.

“We want to assure the community that incidents of this nature are taken seriously.”

IGA plundered of booze after thieves use angle grinder to cut through wall

January 15, 12.28pm: Police are calling for information after an unlawful entry at a supermarket in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Shortly before 3.30am, three men unlawfully entered IGA Flynn Drive at Gillen using a grinder to cut through a rear brick wall before making their way inside and stealing a quantity of alcohol.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or any suspicious activity within the vicinity at the time of the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number P24014314.

Teen allegedly assaults police officers during arrest

January 15, 12.28pm: Northern Territory police have arrested a youth in relation to an attempted burglary in Araluen over the weekend.

Sometime in the early hours of January 13, police responded to a report of an offender attempting to gain entry into a service station through the backdoor, the Northern Territory Police Force said in a statement.

On attendance, police quickly apprehended a 13-year-old male.

While being escorted to the police vehicle, the male youth allegedly assaulted the two police officers.

He was charged with two counts of assault police, resist police, armed with an offensive weapon, and damage to property.

Northern Territory Police continue to urge the public to report crime or anti-social behaviour to 131 444 and call triple-0 in an emergency.

Tyre deflation devices used on allegedly stolen Alice Springs car, teens arrested

January 15, 12.26pm: Two teens have been charged after allegedly kicking down a woman’s door and stealing her car, which was intercepted when police deployed tyre deflation devices.

Shortly before midnight on Saturday, a Gillen woman was awakened by three individuals in her backyard, NT police said.

The offenders allegedly resorted to kicking the victim’s door and issuing threats.

One of the intruders entered the premises, confronting the victim in the hallway before fleeing with her car keys in a stolen white Ford Ranger.

The stolen motor vehicle was later identified by police members travelling inbound on Larapinta Dr.

Tyre deflation devices were swiftly deployed on Larapinta Dr, effectively immobilising the stolen vehicle.

Subsequently, the group were observed fleeing from the scene.

The Dog Operations Unit promptly tracked from the stolen motor vehicle, and a police cordon was established, leading to the successful location and arrest of all four offenders.

Two youths, aged 12, were conveyed home to a responsible adult.

Additionally, two youths, aged 13, were taken to the Alice Springs Watch House.

One was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act 2005, while the other was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

“We urge all residents to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their neighbourhoods,” Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Budge said.

“If you see anything suspicious, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please do not hesitate to contact police immediately.”