Ryan's Blog: Alice Springs Crime Spree

It wasn't a shock to hear that our office had been broken into again. This is Alice Springs after all and things like that seem to have been happening a lot more of late. However usually it's just smashing in. This time however they stole three vehicles from our compound as well as a load of other stuff from the offices (chocolate, tools, etc). Strangely enough however all the computers and cameras were left. I guess that they are quite easy to trace. The cars were used in several ram raids all over town.

The Northern Territory Police Fire and Emergency Services issued a media release on the 9th of May regarding the break in.

Members from Strike Force Winx have charged four youths in relation to a series of property crimes in Alice Springs.

Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Dash said the offenders were allegedly involved in numerous unlawful entries and the unlawful use of motor vehicles over the weekend.

“Strike Force Winx members have arrested a 14-year-old female and three males aged 14, 15 and 16,” he said.

“The youths were involved in four ram raids in the CBD, Whittaker Street, North Side and Sadadeen involved stolen vehicles.

“One of the youths, who was on a suspended sentence of detention, absconded from a rehabilitation program in Alice Springs on 24 April.

“Another male, aged 14, who also absconded from rehabilitation program, is in custody and is currently assisting Police with their enquiries.

A 16-year-old male was charged with:

Aggravated unlawful use of motor vehicle
Unlawful entry – building
Damage to property

A 14-year-old male was charged with:

Unlawful entry – building (x6)
Aggravated unlawful use of motor vehicle (x2)
Stealing (x4)
Damage to property (x6)
Attempt unlawful entry
Trespass
Possess of dangerous drug
Warrant of apprehension executed

A 14-year-old female was charged with:

Aggravated unlawful use of motor vehicle (x2)
Drive unlicensed (x2)
Damage to property
Stealing
Unlawful entry – building

They are due to appear in the Alice Springs Youth Court today.

A 15-year-old male was released for youth diversion.

“Police would like to thank the public for their assistance in identifying the offenders,” said Detective Acting Superintendent Dash.

“Strike Force Winx will continue to target those that choose to engage in these sorts of activities and we will continue to work with the community and stakeholders to reduce youth and property crime in Alice Springs.”

This all happen last weekend and the morning that we came into work we found all the drawers open and lots of things on the ground. The police had already been in and finger printed the place over the weekend and so we were just left to clean up.