It was Katherine’s turn overnight to become a real-life “Grand Theft Auto” city as young offenders stole two vehicles and proceeded to ram them into two police vehicles, causing extensive damage during a rampage Wednesday night.

A similar scenario played out last week in Alice Springs, which forced NT Police to issue an extraordinary warning to residents not to venture into their CBD.

In Katherine, police said they were notified around 11pm that two stolen cars were being recklessly driven by youths throughout the town.

Two police vehicles that were stationary on Katherine Terrace were later rammed by the stolen cars, causing significant damage.

Police said no injuries were reported by police or civilians and that the group of young offenders fled the scene in the second stolen vehicle.

“The actions of these offenders could have led to the death of innocent bystanders,” said Superintendent Craig Garland.

“This type of behaviour is abhorrent and absolutely unacceptable.”

The two stolen vehicles were later recovered with police saying they have identified five “potential offenders”.

The union representing the Territory’s cops called for urgent action to keep officers safe after the second incident in as many weeks where police were targeted by young offenders in stolen vehicles.

“It’s an absolute miracle one of our officers, or a member of the public, wasn’t maimed or killed,” said NT Police Association president Paul McCue, adding that the violence and recklessness is increasing.

“In the last five full years, 1,054 police officers have been assaulted. That’s two thirds of our workforce.

“If politicians were being attacked at the same rates, they’d strengthen the laws immediately. So why are violent attacks on our members being tolerated by Government?

“It is our expectation, and that of the community, that offenders who assault police face tough punishment. Our members are not the Government’s punching bags.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 131 444 or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.