Three teenagers were arrested after allegedly trying to break into an Alice Springs supermarket with an angle grinder, which woke up the neighbours who called the police, NT Police said.
Acting Senior Sergeant Marc Watson said three teenagers, aged 14, 15, and 16, were arrested over the attempted break-in at The Gap Road supermarket around midnight on Sunday.
He said nearby residents called police when the youths allegedly started using an angle grinder to break into the supermarket, and police chased down and arrested two suspects allegedly still with the battery-operated angle grinder.
Police said a third suspect was later arrested at his home.
“Obviously, an angle grinder woke quite a few residents around the place who called us when they saw sparks flying next to the supermarket. It’s probably not the best tool to use at that time of the morning,” Sgt Watson said.
While a 14-year-old boy was arrested after allegedly threatening workers at a Braitling service station with a plastic sword.
Police said a Coles Express staff member called them after a group went into the shop and allegedly stole food and groceries about 11.50am Sunday.
While the employees told police that one of the group threatened them with a machete when confronted, police said it was later confirmed the teenager had a plastic toy sword when he was arrested about 1pm.
The teenager has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in the Youth Justice Court on February 10.
When will people be safe from these marauding teenagers?
On top of this a security guard was injured at a Katherine service station. OTR Katherine is regularly robbed. It’s proximity to Walpiri town camp and the Katherine East housing commission ghettos may be a contributing factor.