Northern Territory Police have arrested a 14 year-old youth who they will allege is responsible for three separate unlawful entries in the town.

Operation Jedi Members have charged the young man with offences including two counts of unlawfully enter a building, two counts of stealing and two counts of damage property.

Detective Superintendent Brent Warren from the Southern Investigation Division said operation Jedi continued to target offending of this nature.

“The damage these alleged offenders do to business premises far outweighs the value of the items they are looking for.  We will allege this youth took part in the smashing of a front door of a business to steal cigarettes on October 11.

We will allege this same youth, in company, forced his way into a licensed premise, damaging doors, locks and light fittings before stealing alcohol on the night of October 19.  While inside we will allege that he continually struck a guard dog with a broom handle until the animal cowered.

Later the same night Police will allege this youth in the company of several others forced an air conditioner from the wall before entering a business and stealing cigarettes.”

Detective Superintendent Warren said Police continue to take a zero tolerance approach to property crime in Alice Springs and urge residents and business owners to be vigilant and report all suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or call Police on 131 444.