Two teens who allegedly threatened an Alice Springs man after he attempted to stop them from robbing his neighbour’s home have been arrested and will be charged with aggravated robbery, NT Police said.

The man heard the teens, aged 16 and 17, breaking into his neighbour’s property around noon on Thursday and went to investigate the noise, police said. He interrupted the pair inside the home, who then “threatened the neighbour before pushing past him and fleeing the scene, in possession of several stolen items”, police said.

Police did not detail the value of those items.

When they arrived on scene, police located the alleged offenders nearby and arrested them.

The 16 and 17-year-olds were expected to be charged with one count each of damage to property, unlawful entry and aggravated robbery.

“I would like to commend the witness for alerting the police in the first instance,” said Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Evan Kelly.

“His actions allowed Strike Force Viper and general duties members to quickly cordon the area and locate and arrest both offenders in possession of the stolen property.

“This is another great result that will prevent further property offences from being committed in the area.”

Snr Sgt Kelly did not elaborate in the statement about how thwarting one robbery in the crime-ridden town will prevent others from happening.