Northern Territory Police have arrested three males in Wadeye following an investigation into the theft of a security vehicle from RAAF Base Darwin.
At about 4:30pm on Monday, a male allegedly entered the defence facility unlawfully before assaulting a security officer and stealing a white Ford Ranger.
The vehicle was later sighted travelling south on the Stuart Highway. Police commenced a pursuit, which was discontinued near Palmerston after members lost sight of the vehicle.
During the early hours of Tuesday, the vehicle, allegedly carrying three occupants, was linked to a fuel drive-off in Coolalinga and a theft in Zuccoli before continuing south.
Strike Force Trident took carriage of the investigation and, through enquiries, ascertained that multiple offenders had used the vehicle to travel to Wadeye.
Detectives provided information to local police who located and arrested three males in the community yesterday evening.
They remain in custody and are expected to be charged with multiple offences relating to the use of the stolen motor vehicle.
Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Burns from Strike Force Trident said these arrests were the result of tireless work by the NT Police Force.
" The stolen RAAF security vehicle was located and recovered by Wadeye Police and we suspect further offenders were involved.
" Investigations into the theft, assault and subsequent offending remaining ongoing."
Anyone with information, particularly regarding the current location of the white Ford Ranger, is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2600089174.
Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
