An Alice Springs man has allegedly called triple-0 to get police to arrest him after he allegedly stole a ute from a charity and was involved in a police chase, later dumping the vehicle near Santa Teresa, NT Police have said.

Strike Force Viper Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Jordan said the 18-year-old man allegedly called triple zero in the early hours of last Friday morning, asking police to come and arrest him.

Snr Sgt Jordan said the man allegedly broke into a house in Bougainvillea Avenue in East Side on October 20, and stole money, car keys and a Toyota Hilux ute.

He said the following day, the man allegedly broke into a not-for-profit on Schwarz Crescent, and stole a Toyota Hilux SR5 vehicle. Police say he was chased by officers, but gave no details of the pursuit, and the ute was found abandoned near the community of Santa Teresa, an hour away from Alice Springs.

It was not mentioned if the vehicle has been damaged.

Snr Sgt Jordan said the man was charged with multiple charges including two counts of stealing, and one counts each of aggravated unlawful entry in a building and dwelling, and aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Meanwhile, the man’s accomplices haven’t been identified.

Sgt Jordan said the man’s honesty was “refreshing and urged other offenders to follow suit.”

“It was certainly out of the blue. He was rather helpful and cooperative. If only other offenders would do the same.”