Two boys aged 12 and 13 have been arrested in relation to a Friday night crime spree in Marrara where they allegedly assaulted a worker with a blunt weapon during a robbery, NT Police said.

Just before 8pm on Friday, police allege three youths assaulted the female employee of a shop at the Northlakes shopping centre while she attempted to close the store.

Police said two youths forced their way past her and went behind the counter to steal cigarettes before allegedly assaulting another person and fleeing the scene.

Police said the youths were later scared off after trespassing on a Links Road property when neighbours called police.

The 13-year-old was arrested at a Karama residence and charged with engaging in violent conduct, aggravated robbery, trespassing and serious breach of bail.

The 12-year-old was arrested Monday morning and expected to be charged later. It was unclear if he was on bail at the time of the alleged offending.

Police said they also believe the boys were involved in another alleged assault of other children who were trying to get on a bus on Thursday.

“Police are continuing to look for the third offender. We know who he is, it’s just a matter of time before we catch up with him,” Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Bland said.

“In addition to this incident, detectives also identified a separate assault of two youths who were trying to board a bus on Thursday before allegedly being attacked by these youths.

“We would like to speak to these individuals and ask them to make contact with police.

“Anyone with information or who witnessed the incidents are urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number 10158056.”

The latest incident involving teens on bail occurred just a week after 18 young offenders were fronting Darwin’s youth court charged with 28 violent robbery offences between them – with one offender alone also facing 13 serious breach of bail charges.

The NT Government closed the youth court to the public in 2019.

A court list from last week showed youth are repeatedly being bailed and committing serious offences after being released, including assaulting workers causing harm and a surprising number of aggravated unlawful use of vehicle charges.

Sources involved in the NT’s crime and justice systems told the NT Independent that violent robberies committed by youths have increased substantially over the last few years.