A man is on the run after he and another man smashed a door to break into Lasseters Hotel Casino in Alice Springs this morning, NT Police said. In another incident, a female staff member of a licensed business was allegedly hit in the hand with a bottle of wine by a man who was stealing it.

The NT News reported that NT Police southern watch commander Leigh Yates said two men allegedly broke into the restaurant of the casino in Barrett Drive about 3am on Tuesday.

A police press release said the men smashed the rear door to get in.

Sergeant Yates said the two men stole alcohol but one of them, a 21-year-old, was stopped and detained by security guards and was later arrested by police. He is expected to be charged with aggravated burglary, stealing and damage to property. He will appear in court at a later date.

The other man ran off and has not be caught, Sergeant Yates said. Police did not provide a description of him.

Police also said that about 10.15am on Sunday three men broke into a commercial premises, also on Barrett Drive.

Director of communications Mark Wilton said police allege that after getting into the building, one of the offenders smashed the glass door to a fridge and stole alcohol while the other two waited outside.

“While attempting to leave, he was confronted by a female employee who he assaulted with a bottle of wine, striking her to the hand as she raised her arm to protect herself, causing minor injuries,” Mr Wilton said.

All three ran off, Mr Wilton said, and police found the three, aged 37, 41 and 41, drinking the stolen alcohol in the Todd River where they were arrested.

Mr Wilton said they had all been charged but he did not specify the charges, saying they were remanded in custody to appear in court on Sunday.

Police did not say if it was the casino the men had broken into.