Members from Strike Force Trident have charged a 27-year-old man following property offences in Palmerston this morning.

Around 5am, local residents caught the man allegedly breaking into vehicles in Gunn. They apprehended the man, however he allegedly assaulted a 26-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman with an edged weapon, causing minor injuries.

The residents were able to hold the man until police arrived.

Police further allege that the man was involved in other recent property offences.

He was charged with:

• 7 X trespass
• 7 X stealing
• 3 X aggravated assault
• 1 X aggravated robbery
• 1 X possess prohibited animal
• 1 X breach bail
• 1 X going armed in public
• 1 X armed with offensive weapon (night)
• 1 X unlawfully possess property
• 1 X possess house breaking implement

He has been remanded in custody to appear in Darwin Local Court on 4 February.

Senior Constable First Class Matthew Cram said, “Anyone who is a victim of crime is strongly encouraged to contact police.

“While the brave actions of the residents enabled police to arrest the alleged offender, we would like to remind the public to call police before taking matters into your own hands, especially where there is a risk of violence or injury.”