A 16-year-old boy has been charged over ripping the front doors off the Erldunda Roadhouse with a 4WD and stealing alcohol, NT Police said, while at least one other alleged offender seems to be still on the run but was not mentioned by police.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Budge said in a statement the 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged on Saturday over the aggravated burglary in the Central Desert early Friday morning.

Police had said that just before 2:30am Friday, police received a report from the manager of the Erldunda Roadhouse that the business had been robbed.

The agency said the manager told them a silver Toyota Prado, with its number plate concealed by a towel, ripped the front doors from the roadhouse wall using ratchet straps attached to the vehicle.

A Friday police statement said that once inside, the the offenders – the number of offenders was not specified – stole a “substantial” amount of alcohol, police said.

While in the statement about the boy’s arrest on Saturday there was no reference to any other offenders.

Snr Sgt Budge said the 16-year-old was charged with aggravated burglary, theft, and damage to property, and was bailed to appear in court on March 14.

Police said the vehicle used in the offending was not stolen and has since been recovered.

“This arrest was the result of fast, collaborative efforts from local police and Strike Force Viper and we will continue to work tirelessly to put these offenders before the courts,” he said.

Police are still calling for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the vicinity of Erldunda Roadhouse, or has dashcam footage or a silver Toyota Prado in the area around the time of the incident, to call them on 131 444, or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.