Northern Territory Police are actively investigating a series of criminal incidents involving a white Landcruiser in Katherine overnight.
Just after 2:30am, the vehicle, carrying five masked occupants, was involved in a fuel drive-off from a service station on Bicentennial Road. This incident was not reported to police at the time, leading to further criminal activity.
Shortly afterwards, the same Landcruiser was used to ram the front entrance of a restaurant on Giles Street. Several offenders forced entry, causing damage to the premises. One offender was seen wielding a large, edged weapon, while others vandalised the restaurant and threw full cans at the windows before fleeing.
Police were dispatched immediately upon receiving the report. At 3:37am, the Landcruiser returned to the same service station, where an aggravated robbery occurred. One of the offenders threatened the sole operator before fleeing when the duress alarm was activated.
Despite a swift response and coordinated efforts by Katherine General Duties units and CCTV operators, the offenders evaded capture and fled into bushland. An extensive search is underway.
Further investigations revealed an unlawful entry at another business on Katherine Terrace, where keys and a vehicle are believed to have been stolen.
Northern Territory Police are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage related to these incidents to contact 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
