Tomahawk allegedly brandished during alleged Alice Springs servo robbery: Cops
A tomahawk has allegedly been brandished during an alleged servo robbery in the Red Centre, cops say, while an unrelated car fire is being treated as ‘suspicious’. Read the latest.
Welcome to the NT News’ weekly Alice Springs and Central rolling police, crime, traffic, fire and breaking news blog. Keep up with the latest news from Alice Springs right up to the Barkly.
Sunday, November 30, 11am: A car fire by a busy road in the Red Centre capital could be “deliberately lit,” police say.
NT Police said they first received reports of the vehicle fire in Alice Springs about 9pm Saturday.
“Police and Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service members attended, and the fire was extinguished,” police said.
“Initial investigations indicate the fire was deliberately lit. Investigations are ongoing.”
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P25323309 in relation to the fire.
Anonymous reports can be made online to Crime Stoppers or through 1800 333 000.
Tomahawk used in Alice servo robbery, cops allege
Sunday, November 30, 10.30am: A man who allegedly brandished a tomahawk during a servo robbery in the Red Centre capital is on the run, police say.
NT Police alleged the robbery took place at a servo on Dalgety Rd, Alice Springs, about 1.20am Sunday.
During the alleged robbery, a pair of men – whose faces were covered – entered the store and allegedly threatened the attendant, police said.
“One of the males allegedly produced a tomahawk and threatened the attendant before striking the perspex screen of the console while demanding cigarettes,” police allege
“The offenders then stole the cigarettes and other store items before rejoining their group and fleeing the scene in the vehicle.”
The pair were part of a group of six, police said, who’d arrived at the servo in a red Holden Commodore.
Upon being asked to pay for fuel, police allege the group became aggressive.
The alleged robbery is under investigation, wiht police urgina anyone with information to contact them on 131 444.
Police have asked reference number P25323603 be quoted in relation to the incident.
Anonymous reports can also be made to Crime Stoppers, either online, or via 1800 333 000.
Alice Springs man faces charges over unregistered air rifle, ammo
Saturday, November 29, 3.10pm: A 43-year-old man is facing multiple firearms charges after police officers discovered an unregistered air rifle and ammunition during a search of his Alice Springs home.
Northern Territory Police on Thursday searched the man’s unit in Alice Springs, following intelligence from the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit.
During the search, officers allegedly found an Air Rifle and 300 ball bearings.
The weapon and ammunition were seized and the man was issued a notice to appear for possessing a firearm while unlicensed, failing to meet storage requirements and possessing an unregistered firearm.
He is scheduled to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on January 14, 2026.
Under both Commonwealth and Northern Territory legislation, the possession and smuggling of firearms and firearm parts without proper permits is considered a serious offence.
NT Police said reports could be made on 131 444 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police urged residents to report suspected illegal firearms activity to police at 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Those unsure about importation requirements can consult the Australian Border Force guidelines or contact the agency at 131 881.
‘Disgraceful’: Man charged after alleged remote alcohol smuggling attempt
Saturday, November 29, 3pm: Charges were laid against an interstate man accused of trying to smuggle alcohol into the remote Aboriginal community of Yuendumu, breaching a domestic violence order and drink driving.
Northern Territory Police said officers stopped a red Holden Commodore sedan at Tilmouth Well on the Tanami Highway about 3pm Friday.
A 24-year-old man was found behind the wheel, joined by four passengers – a 19-year-old woman, a 36-year-old woman, a 39-year-old man and a 57-year-old man.
Police said the group was attempting to smuggle alcohol into the region from South Australia.
Police searched the vehicle and allegedly found two 4L wine casks, one 5L wine cask and five bottles of liquor.
Checks on the occupants of the vehicles revealed the 24-year-old driver was subject to a non-intoxication domestic violence order with the 19-year-old passenger.
A breath test also found the driver was intoxicated, police said.
The 24-year-old was arrested and later charged with breaching a domestic violence order, high range drink driving, driving a motor vehicle while unlicensed and bringing liquor into an alcohol protected area.
He was scheduled to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Friday.
Police said the alcohol was seized and destroyed.
“It is disgraceful that people would attempt to bring alcohol into our remote communities, knowing the harm that it can cause,” NT Police Acting Senior Sergeant Leigh Yates said.
“Police will continue to target those who would try to bring alcohol or illicit drugs into the Territory from interstate and ensure they will be held accountable.
“We have zero tolerance for domestic and family violence, and there is no place for it in our communities.
“If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800 RESPECT or Lifeline 131 114.”
Arrest follows brutal assault on stranger in Alice Springs
A man has been charged after a brutal, unprovoked assault on a stranger in Alice Springs overnight.
Police said around 2am, officers from the Social Order Patrol responded to reports of an assault on Gregory Terrace.
It’s alleged a 34-year-old man’s head struck the ground after was punched in the head early Saturday morning, laying unconscious for about five minutes.
St John Ambulance attended and took the victim to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment.
A 36-year-old male was arrested at the scene and was in police custody, with charges expected to be laid later.
Police have urged anybody with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444, quoting reference number P25322514. Reports can be made anonymously on 1800333000.
Alice Springs man arrested with knuckle dusters and drugs
An Alice Springs local was arrested and charged with drug trafficking and driving under the influence of a drug during a police sting on Friday.
Watch Commander, Senior Sgt Marc Watson said the arrest took place as local detectives and members from the Southern Dog Operations Unit conducted a drug-crime operation south of Alice Springs on Thursday afternoon.
About 4.30pm officers stopped a 41-year-old on suspicion of having outstanding warrants before a search of the vehicle located 110g of methamphetamine.
A set of knuckle dusters and other items that indicated the supply of dangerous drugs were also located.
The man was arrested and since been charged with possess and supply a schedule one commercial quantity of a dangerous drug, resist police, possess a prohibited weapon, drug driving, self administer a dangerous drug and possess a thing to administer a dangerous drug.
He was expected to appear in Alice Springs Local Court late on Friday.
Restaurant evacuated in Alice Springs during armed stand off: Cops
November 26, 4pm: A man has allegedly kicked cop after a standoff in the Alice Springs CBD ended with his arrest, police say.
NT Police said the standoff occurred at about 12.25pm Wednesday, after Strike Force Viper officers saw a 18-year-old man they alleged was in breach of a suspended sentence.
“Upon police approach, he allegedly ran into a nearby restaurant and armed himself with a blunt weapon,” Police said.
“Police evacuated the patrons and staff before the offender surrendered after a brief negotiation period.”
Police did not name the restaurant involved, but said it was in the Todd Mall.
When being arrested, the man further kicked the cop, police allege.
The cop “did not require medical attention,” according to police.
The 18-year-old was taken hospital, but is in police custody, with charges “expected to follow,” police said.
Teen bashes partner in broad daylight attack in Alice, police allege
November 24, 3pm: Bystanders have intervened to stop a 17-year-old boy from allegedly bashing his partner next to busy Alice Springs road, police say.
NT Police alleged the teen was attempting to bash his partner – whose age was not given – nearby Leichhardt Tce on the Todd River Sunday afternoon.
The teen was allegedly throwing rocks at the girl, police alleged, before leaving the scene and returning blunt weapon.
He is further alleged to have used the weapon to hit the girl multiple times to the head and body, police said.
The teen left after people nearby intervened, police said, but was arrested on Parsons St.
Police found the weapon allegedly used in the assault, they said, while the girl was taken to Alice Springs hospital for treatment.
The teen was charged with going armed in public and aggravated assault.
He was due to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court on Monday.
Police investigations are continuing, and anyone with CCTV footage or dashcam from the area is being asked to contact police on 131 444.
Police have asked reference P25316994 be quoted in relation to the alleged assault.
Help is available for anyone experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, such as — but not limited to – Lifeline (131 114), 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or 13 Yarn (13 92 76).
Anonymous reports can be made Crime Stoppers online or via 1800 333 000.
Girl bashed at Alice Springs pool, police allege
November 24, 10am: A young girl has allegedly been bashed by four other girls at the Alice Springs town pool, police allege.
The alleged bashing shut the pool, NT Police said, with the girl – whose age was not provided – taken to hospital with bruising and swelling.
Police allege the assault occurred about 3.20pm, with the four girls allegedly “kicking and stomping” on the young girl’s head and body.
The four youths fled before officers arrived, police said, and the alleged offenders are believed to be known to the victim.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact NT Police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500116265.
Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers online or via 1800 333 000.
‘Edged weapon’ used to threaten servo worker, cops allege
November 24, 9.45am: A servo worker has allegedly been threatened by a 12-year-old boy during a robbery in Alice Springs, police say.
NT Police allege the robbery occurred just after 7pm at a service station on Dalgety Rd in Braitling on Sunday.
Six youths entered the servo, according to police, where they allegedly began attempting to steal items from the shelves.
The servo worker, aged 40, was threatened by the young boy while he was behind the counter, police allege.
While the group left, the young boy returned to the servo, where he was arrested, police said.
“The remaining youths were conveyed home into the care of a responsible adult,” police said.
While the servo worker was uninjured, police said, the 12-year-old has been charged with aggravated robbery and being armed with an offensive weapon.
He is due to appear in Alice Springs court on Monday.
Anyone with additional information can contact NT Police on 131 444, who have requested P25317106 be quoted in relation to the alleged servo robbery.
Anonymous reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
‘Suspicious vehicle’ subject of police pursuit: Cops
November 24, 9.35am: A police pursuit – initiated after cops spotted a “suspicious vehicle” – has ended with the arrest of a 15-year-old boy, police say.
NT Police said the pursuit happened just after 1.20am Monday, when Strike Force Viper spotted the car on Telegraph Tce in Alice Springs.
“The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit lasted six minutes, as the vehicle came to a stop at a town camp in Sadadeen,” police said.
“The 15-year-old driver was arrested and is expected to be charged with driving and traffic offences.”
The car was not stolen, police said.
Charges laid over alleged Alice aggravated robbery
November 24, 9.30am: An 18-year-old girl is facing charges over an alleged robbery, in which an elderly man was attacked in his own home in Alice Springs, police say.
The 18-year-old was charged on Saturday after she was arrested weeks after the alleged Mallam Cres robbery occurred in Sadadeen.
She was arrested after “forensic investigations” identified her, police said.
She was charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary, police said.
Investigations are continuing to determine if she is connected to other alleged robberies on Mallam Cres.
The resident, aged in his 70s, was allegedly assaulted during a robbery at his home on November 10, police said.
Police previously alleged he was knocked to the ground, before his phone was stolen.
Police have again called for dashcam footage or CCTV from the area, and anyone with information can contact police on 131 444.
NT have asked reference number NTP2500112154 be quoted, while anonymous reports can be made online or via 1800 333 000 to Crime Stoppers.
Originally published as Tomahawk allegedly brandished during alleged Alice Springs servo robbery: Cops
