Three males have been arrested in Wadeye in connection to the theft of a security vehicle from RAAF Base Darwin on Monday, NT Police said, with the vehicle allegedly used in connection with further criminal offences.

The vehicle, a white Ford Ranger, was stolen around 4:30pm Monday after a male entered the grounds of the defence base and allegedly assaulted a security officer.

Police pursued the vehicle after it was seen travelling south on the Stuart Highway but abandoned the pursuit after losing sight of it near Palmerston.

But the vehicle was then used in the early hours of Tuesday to commit an alleged fuel drive-off in Coolalinga and a theft at a Zuccoli residence before continuing south, police said. It was carrying three males at the time of the fuel incident.

Police said in a statement Thursday that Strike Force Trident detectives determined “through enquiries” that the males had travelled to Wadeye in the stolen vehicle.

All three were arrested by local police Wednesday night and are expected to be charged with “multiple offences relating to the use of the stolen motor vehicle”, police said.

“The stolen RAAF security vehicle was located and recovered by Wadeye Police and we suspect further offenders were involved,” Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Burns said.

“Investigations into the theft, assault and subsequent offending remaining ongoing.

“Anyone with information, particularly regarding the current location of the white Ford Ranger, is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2600089174. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”