Media release

Viper rattles property offending - Alice Springs

Police

An 18-year-old man who called triple zero wanting to hand himself in, will appear before court early next month.

In the early hours of 23 October, it is alleged the man called triple zero and requested police attend and arrest him in relation to multiple property offences.

The man was transported to the Alice Springs Watch House where it is further alleged he committed the following offences;

  • 20 October – He unlawfully entered a home on Bougainvillea Street – stealing cash, car keys and a Toyota Hilux.

  • 21 October – He unlawfully entered a not for profit organisation on Schwarz Crescent, stealing car keys and a Toyota Hilux SR5. The vehicle was involved in a pursuit with police and later recovered abandoned near Santa Teresa.

The man has been remanded in custody to appear before court on the following charges;

1 x Aggravated unlawful entry – building

1 x Aggravated unlawful entry – dwelling

1 x Aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle

1 x Unlawful use of a motor vehicle

2 x Stealing

1 x Drive in a manner dangerous pursuit

1 x Drive a motor vehicle while unlicensed.

Police investigations to identify the co-offenders involved in these incidents, continue. 

Strike Force Viper Detective Snr Sgt Rob Jordan said the man’s honesty was refreshing and urged other offenders to follow suit.

“It was certainly out of the blue. He was rather helpful and cooperative. If only other offenders would do the same.”

Two people have been summonsed to appear before court in relation to an unlawful entry in which a vehicle and were stolen in Alice Springs earlier this month.

A 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old male are alleged to have unlawfully entered a residence on Cromwell Drive and stolen a Ford Ranger ute and cash in the early hours of 13 October.

Later that morning, police located and arrested the two at a home in Braitling, during which time it alleged they were found in possession of the stolen money.

The two will be summonsed to appear before court on the following charges:

  • Aggravated Unlawful Use of a motor vehicle
  • Possess Stolen Property

An 18-year-old man who was caught stealing alcohol from a licensed premises while it was open, has been arrested and charged.

Around 11pm on 22 October it is alleged the man had caused damage to a take away restaurant by forcing open a service window in an attempt to steal the till. Staff intercepted the man who fled the scene.

Around midnight the man and another unknown offender, returned and unlawfully entered a licensed business which was operating at the time.

The two men were in the process of stealing a quantity of alcohol when patrons observed the pair and alerted the owner.

The men attempted to flee the scene, and the 18-year-old was apprehended by the owner and security guard. The co-offender remains outstanding.

The man was charged with;

2 x Unlawful entry – building

1 x Damage to property

1 x Stealing

1 x Attempted stealing.

He has been bailed to appear before the Alice Springs Local Court at a later date.