Three males were arrested at the Threeways Road House following a car theft in Durack earlier in the week.

Police from Tennant Creek were alerted to the possibility that a stolen car was being driven south along the Stuart Highway. At around 1.30pm yesterday Elliott Police were advised there were personal belongings strewn across the Stuart Highway near Dunmurra. A check showed that the items belonged to residents of Don Circuit in Durack who had reported a handbag and wallet were removed from the kitchen table while the occupants were watching television around 11.30pm on Tuesday. They also reported that their gold Toyota Kluger station wagon had been stolen.

Police in Tennant Creek were notified and drove to the Threeways Road House where the vehicle was located. Two men aged 22 and a youth aged 17 were arrested and taken back to Tennant Creek in relation to the theft of the car.

All three have been charged with unlawful entry of a dwelling at night, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing offences. They will appear in Tennant Creek court today.

Acting Superintendent Craig Barrett said it appeared the males had intended to travel along the Barkly Highway to Queensland.

"This was a case of excellent police work and quick thinking by all involved. It's a credit to the member of the public who reported the personal belonging to Elliott Police and excellent police work to identify the car owners and work out what had happened," A/Superintendent Barrett said.

"Then the fact that police were dispatched to the Threeways Road House in a timely fashion to stop them heading to Queensland should also be commended."

A/Supt Barrett said the fact that thieves had been able to easily access the car keys and other property while the occupants were in another room should serve as a timely reminder to residents to ensure that premises are always locked, even if they are at home.

"Residents should also be reminded not to leave keys in their cars following a spate of such car thefts in the Territory recently," A/Supt Barrett said.

"Don't make it easy for offenders. Make sure your vehicle is locked and valuables are not left in plain sight."


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