Northern Territory Police have seized a vehicle under anti-hooning legislation following several incidents of reckless driving overnight.
It is alleged several members of the public witnessed the vehicle driving recklessly around Alice Springs before police deployed a Tyre Deflation Device on Wills Terrace deflating three of its tyres, Northern Territory Police say
The vehicle continued travelling at slow speed along various streets before stopping on a dirt access road south of town.
The driver of the vehicle fled before police arrival, and the remaining 11 occupants between the ages of 10 and 15-years-old were transported home. As a result of their ages and the dangerous situation the driver put them in, referrals have been submitted to Territory Families.
The vehicle, which was not stolen, will be impounded for a period of 48-hours.
Police enquiries continue to establish who the driver of the vehicle was throughout the evening.
In a separate incident, police arrested two youth in a stolen vehicle stopped at a service station in Alice Springs on Sunday.
It is alleged sometime between 9pm and 11pm the two youth unlawfully entered a home in Gillen and stole cash before attempting to steal a vehicle when they were chased off by a neighbour.
Shortly after it is alleged the two unlawfully entered another home in the area where they found a set of keys to the car parked outside and have taken off in the now stolen motor vehicle..
Around 1am they pulled into a service station on the Stuart Highway and two officers observed the vehicle and its young occupants and subsequently arrested the pair.
The boys, aged 14-years-old were arrested and charged with one count each of Stealing, Unlawful use of a motor vehicle, Breach of Bail and Aggravated Enter Dwelling intent Commit Offence.
Alice Springs Acting Superintendent Pauline Vicary said it was pleasing to see the quick thinking actions of the neighbour and the community working together.
"Having your home or business broken into or your property damaged is a horrible and stressful experience," said A/Supt Vicary
"But it renews your faith in people when members of the community work together in preventing these things from happening to each other."
"I’d encourage members of the public to take time to check out the Neighbourhood Watch website and ensure they implement the appropriate security measures.
"In the meantime, our officers work tirelessly to identify offenders and take appropriate action, such as diversion programs and bringing them before the court."
