Eight teenage boys were arrested on Tuesday afternoon following the theft of a car from Whyalla.
It will be alleged that during the early hours of Tuesday 25 November, a Hyundai sedan was stolen during a break in at a Whyalla Stuart home.
Just before 1pm the same day, Port Pirie patrols spotted the stolen car and it's eight occupants at Risdon Park South. The driver tried to flee but collided with a median strip, which bought the damaged sedan to a stop.
The driver and passengers subsequently exited the car and fled on foot. Police made attempts to pursue, however, were unable to locate the suspects.
Following further investigations, multiple officers attended a home in Risdon Park around 3pm and swiftly arrested eight boys.
Three 14-year-olds, four 13-year-olds and a 12-year-old were charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle. The alleged driver, a 14-year-old from Davenport, was further charged with driving unlicenced.
Six of the teens were refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Youth Court later today, Wednesday 26 November. One boy was granted strict police bail and another was issued with a formal caution under the Young Offenders Act.
The investigation into the driving behaviour of the vehicle travelling between Whyalla and Port Pirie is continuing. Further charges may be laid against the driver during this investigation.
Anyone who saw the red Hyundai Elantra sedan on the Augusta Highway yesterday, or anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.
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