Northern Territory Police have made multiple arrests for stealing offences across the Territory in which attending officers were subsequently assaulted.
Around 4pm yesterday, a 44-year-old man entered a bottle shop on Bradshaw Terrace, Casuarina and allegedly stole a quantity of alcohol before threatening a security officer with an edged weapon and fleeing the scene.
A short time later, the same man allegedly stole a quantity of alcohol from another bottle shop on Trower Road, Casuarina, before again threatening security with an edged weapon and fleeing the scene.
Police attended both incidents, and after extensive patrols of the nearby areas located the offender near the Casuarina Bus Exchange. During the arrest the man allegedly physically assaulted an officer, punching them to the stomach.
He remains in custody and is expected to be charged with multiple offences including stealing, assault, assault police and going armed in public.
Around midnight, police received reports of a stolen Honda Jazz being driven around the Alice Springs CBD. A tyre deflation device was successfully deployed and 3 males, aged 13, 16 and 22, were arrested at the scene without incident.
Whilst in the watch house, the 22-year-old man has allegedly spat in the faces of 2 officers. He is expected to be charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and assault police. The 2 youth will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.
Acting Commander James Gray-Spence said “Assaults on our officers, particularly spitting, is completely disgusting and shameful behaviour.
Thankfully the employees at the bottle shops and the security weren’t injured, and our members weren’t seriously injured. These incidents highlight the dangerous frontline work our members undertake every day in the interest of protecting Territorians. “
“No one, police included, should have to be assaulted while at work and the men involved will be charged for it.”
“Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses crime of antisocial behaviour to make contact on 131 444 or in an emergency to contact Triple Zero.”
