The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating after multiple vehicles were stolen overnight in the Katherine region.
Around 11:35pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report of a robbery at a fast-food restaurant on First Street in Katherine.
It is alleged a female employee was approached in the carpark by a group of youths and was subsequently assaulted. A male youth allegedly produced a screwdriver and threatened her before stealing her car keys. The offenders fled the scene in her silver Ford Focus.
The victim suffered minor injuries and did not require medical attention.
The offenders allegedly proceeded to steal a security vehicle on Mannion Street after assaulting a security officer, injuring his shoulder. One of the stolen vehicles allegedly rammed a patrolling police vehicle causing moderate damage, with a police officer suffering minor injuries due to the collision.
Additional police resources were deployed, and a pursuit of the stolen vehicles resulted in them being recovered after they were abandoned.
Around 6:10am, three male offenders aged 10, 10, and 14-years-old were arrested after they allegedly unsuccessfully attempted to steal a third vehicle. A fourth male offender aged 11-years-old has also been arrested in connection to this offending.
In a separate and unrelated incident, around 2:35am this morning, the JESCC received a report of an aggravated burglary at a clinic residence in Beswick. Up to six youths had allegedly attended the residence, smashed several windows with rocks, and unsuccessfully attempted to steal the clinic vehicle.
It is alleged the offenders subsequently travelled to Barunga in a red Hilux utility, which had previously been reported stolen in Katherine, where they attended another residence and stole a vehicle parked there.
The offenders remain outstanding, and investigations into this incident are ongoing.
Acting Superintendent Warren Scott said, "This behaviour is completely unacceptable, and it is pure luck that no one was killed.
"Police are confident we have arrested the main offenders and have identified the outstanding youths. Efforts are currently underway to locate them.
"Public safety is our number one priority, and additional police resources including members from the Northern Investigations Unit, Strike Force Cerberus, Operation Ludlow II, the Dog Operations Unit, General Duties as well as a drone operator will be deployed to assist with ongoing investigations and to prevent further harm.
"Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444, or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
