The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested four youths in relation to property offending committed in Tennant Creek overnight.
Around 8pm, police received a report of an attempted unlawful entry at a residence on Paterson Street. It is alleged a group of youths attempted to enter the residence, subsequently damaging the front doors, and breaking a window after throwing a rock through it.
They fled the scene on foot.
Around 9:35pm, police were notified of three youths attempting to unlawfully enter a residence on Ambrose Street. The offenders allegedly smashed a window in an attempt to gain access to the house. The offenders fled upon police arrival.
Around 10:10pm, four youths allegedly caused extensive property damage at a licensed venue on the corner of Ambrose Street and Stuart Street. Police responded and arrested the four males aged 10, 11, 12 and 13-years-old. The 10, 11 and 12-year-olds were dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.
The 13-year-old remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.
At this stage, police believe the incidents are linked and investigations are ongoing.
Superintendent Peter Dash said, "The recent property offending we have seen committed by youths is completely unacceptable.
"Two members from Strike Force Viper have deployed from Alice Springs this morning to bolster police resources and assist with investigations, and the community can be assured that we will identify and apprehend those involved.
"This offending and the increase in property offending by youth was also discussed at the Youth Engagement Targeted Intervention meeting this morning in Tennant Creek, with police and other youth agencies in attendance. Tennant Creek police will continue to deploy a range of overt and covert measures to apprehend these offenders.
"We would like to thank the community for their support and would urge them to continue to report crime to 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
