Seven youths have been arrested in relation to a series of car thefts over the weekend in Alice Springs as part of Operation Archer, NT Police said, an operation designed to provide police with “additional capability” to crackdown on stolen vehicles and attacks on police.

The first incident occurred around 2am on Sunday, when police received reports of several individuals driving a stolen white Toyota Hilux recklessly through the Alice Springs CBD. Police responded through Operation Archer to the incident and recovering the stolen vehicle after it was abandoned in the Todd River.

Following a brief foot pursuit, four males aged 11, 13, 16, and 18 were arrested.

Three offenders aged 13, 16, and 18 were charged with unlawfully using a motor vehicle and were remanded for a court appearance on Monday. The 13-and 16-year-olds have also been charged for serious bail violations.

The 11-year-old offender was released, but police said he will be subject to mandatory child protection reports due to engaging in behaviour that may pose a risk to themselves or others.

The second incident took place at approximately 9:10pm on Sunday when authorities were alerted to a white and blue Toyota Hilux reported stolen from a business in Ciccone. The vehicle’s occupants were later spotted driving the veehicle recklessly around the Alice Springs CBD.

Police said the Hilux pursued several vehicles in the area, including a white Toyota Kluger, which was struck by the assailants and had a blunt object thrown at its windscreen.

During Operation Archer, personnel from the Territory Response Group (TRG) and the Dog Operations Unit successfully stopped a vehicle on Stott Terrace. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and were captured after a brief foot pursuit.

The three male suspects, aged 14, 15, and 20, were taken into custody and are set to face multiple charges, including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

No injuries were reported by the police during the incident.

Archer is a set of operations aimed at providing frontline police and Strike Force Viper investigators with enhanced resources to combat high-risk property crimes related to stolen vehicles and the associated risks posed to law enforcement, police said.

Police encourage witnesses of crimes or anti-social behaviour to contact them at 131 444. For emergencies, call 000. Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers via phone or https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.