Gang of teenagers allegedly carjack and ram bottle shop in Darwin’s northern suburbs

An alleged armed carjacking in Nightcliff led to the ram-raid of a northern suburbs bottle shop, NT Police say. Read the details.

Thirsty Camel at Hibiscus Shopping Centre in Leanyer was ram raided on July 23, 2025. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Four teenagers aged between 13 and 17 were arrested following an alleged armed carjacking and ram-raid in Darwin’s northern suburbs on Wednesday night.

Northern Watch Commander Theo Karamanidis said the alleged carjacking occurred about 10.30pm in Nightcliff when a woman was approached by a group of teenagers, one allegedly armed with a “long edged weapon”.

The group then allegedly stole the woman’s Mitsubishi ASX.

“Not long after” the vehicle was allegedly used in a ram-raid at the Thirsty Camel at Hibiscus Shopping Centre, Commander Karamanidis said.

Glass was smashed and RTD (mixer) drinks stolen. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Police spotted the vehicle on CCTV, but Commander Karamanidis said a pursuit was called off due to the group’s dangerous driving.

The car was later found abandoned in Stuart Park.

Strike Force Trident took charge of the response and located the teenagers in Darwin CBD, arresting two boys and two girls, with charges expected to follow.

The worker said it appeared the group entered through the bottom right gap caused by the ram raid. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

The group allegedly took Jack Daniels and tequila. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Commander Karamanidis alleges one of the group was still armed with a weapon while another was in possession of stolen alcohol.

A fifth male alleged offender is still on the run with police investigations continuing, Commander Karamanidis said.

A worker at the bottle shop told the NT News at least 30 bottles of spirits had been taken along with a number of mixers.

Thirsty Camel at Hibiscus Shopping Centre in Leanyer was ram raided on July 23, 2025. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

He said a staff member allegedly saw the group enter the businesses armed about 12.30pm before locking himself away.

The worker could not estimate the dollar amount of the damage, but multiple glass windows and displays had been smashed as well as damage to the shutter door.

It appears the group may have reversed into the shutter door and entered through a gap in the bottom right corner.