Five youths have been arrested following multiple aggravated robberies and police pursuits in Braitling early this morning.
Around 3:40, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports that two utility vehicles had been stolen from a residence on Price Street.
It is alleged the vehicles were then used to travel to a second residence along the Stuart Highway where the group broke in and threatened the occupants with an edged weapon and a tyre iron. The group then fled the location, stealing the victim's mobile phone.
The offenders subsequently travelled in a convoy to a business on Milner Road, Ciccone, and allegedly rammed the business doors to gain entry. Once inside the group loaded five motorcycles onto the back of the stolen utilities, before police attended and they fled the scene.
Police initiated a pursuit of both vehicles, during which one rammed a police unit head-on. A tyre deflation device was successfully deployed and one of the stolen vehicles came to a halt. The 16-year-old female driver was arrested at the scene and the two other occupants fled into nearby bushland.
While officers were at the scene, the second stolen vehicle drove toward the officers and rammed their parked police unit. The offenders then stopped and began throwing rocks at attending officers before driving away.
No officers were injured during the incident.
Around 5:25am, police sighted the offenders travelling along Kartne Road and initiated a pursuit. The offenders stopped and abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee the area; however, a cordon was set, and police arrested five youths aged between 14 to 17.
Five offenders remain in police custody with charges expected to follow.
Investigations are ongoing.
Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident or with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25232826. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
