Thirteen alleged offenders aged between eight and 18 have been arrested over the alleged theft of a ute and a van in Alice Springs which were intentionally driven into the path of police vehicles, and which were ultimately stopped by tyre spikes, NT Police said.

Police media manager Margaret McKeown said in a statement that about 5:30pm Wednesday, police were alerted to a break-in at an un-named organisation in Percy Court, Alice Springs, and the theft of a Toyota Hilux ute, and a Hyundai Imax van.

She said the vehicles were seen being driven dangerously in the CBD and surrounding suburbs, intentionally swerving into the path of police vehicles.

At 10pm police used tyre spikes to stop the van at Schwartz Crossing, and five kids aged between eight and 12 were taken into custody, Ms McKeown said.

She said a short time later police stopped the ute using tyre spikes on Tuncks Rd, with eight alleged offenders aged between 10 and 18 running into the nearby Todd River, later being arrested with the help of police dogs.

Ms McKeown said Strike Force Viper detectives expected to lay some charges on Thursday.

If you have information about the thefts you can call police on 131 444, or Crime stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.