Northern Territory Police arrested a youth yesterday for an unlawful entry at the Alice Springs Quarantine Facility.
A resident undertaking mandatory quarantine noticed a series of unauthorised transactions on his credit card at two locations in Alice Springs on Sunday 29 August. He then discovered that his wallet was missing.
Incident Controller Hege Burns said, "The man's credit card was used at two locations, one in the Gap and the other in the Alice Springs CBD on Sunday 29 August."
Investigators from Strike Force Viper took carriage of the investigation and public health officials assessed the possible risk to the community.
It is understood whilst at the facility the youth had a brief conversation with one other resident. Both residents at the quarantine facility, who had previously tested negative on their arrival had a rapid test which also returned a negative result.
Along with these results and the recent negative wastewater results in Alice Springs, Public Health officers determined any risk to the public as very low.
The youth was located and arrested just after midday 29 August 2021. The youth was charged with:
- Unlawful entry
- Stealing
- Criminal damage
- Assault police
A review of the current security measures at the facility is being undertaken. A breach such as this is rare and security arrangements have been adequate to date.
