UPDATED: A series of stolen cars and dangerous driving incidents in Katherine over the weekend, including attempts to ram police, are under investigation, NT Police said, with one of the stolen cars containing a rifle and ammunition that initially went missing but was later turned into police on Sunday night.

Police reported that two vehicles were stolen in Katherine on Saturday night, including an Isuzu utility taken near the Katherine Hot Springs and a taupe Toyota Land Cruiser stolen from a commercial car dealership on the north side.

Police believe that an unidentified group of youths was linked to both incidents, with one of the stolen vehicles reportedly containing the unsecured Ruger .300 rifle and ammunition at the time it was taken.

Police said in a statement on Sunday that the two stolen vehicles were being driven dangerously and were specifically targeting other road users.

Superintendent Glenn Leafe said officers deployed tyre-deflation devices on the stolen Isuzu utility, leading the occupants to flee on foot.

Police initially abandoned efforts to follow the stolen Landcruiser due to safety concerns.

It was allegedly used by the offenders to target and attempt to ram police vehicles, while the occupants allegedly also threw objects at police.

“Tyre deflation devices were subsequently deployed at several locations around Katherine, and the Landcruiser was successfully spiked near the Katherine Bridge,” Supt Leafe said. “Police monitored the vehicle to Acacia Drive, where it was abandoned.”

Police estimate 10 youth offenders left the vehicle and ran into nearby bushland effectively evading police.

“Despite extensive patrols, no arrests have been made at this stage,” Supt Leafe said.

The two spiked vehicles have been recovered and seized for forensic examination.

“The dangerous manner in which these vehicles were allegedly driven placed members of the public and police at significant risk, and this behaviour is unacceptable,” Supt Leafe said.

The rifle and ammunition that initially went missing was handed in by members of the public, police said on Monday morning.

“Police remind all firearms licence holders that they have a legal responsibility to ensure their firearms and ammunition are stored safely and securely at all times in accordance with legislative requirements,” Supt Leafe said.

Anyone with information can contact the police at 131 444 and reference number NTP2600066917. Anonymous reports can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.