Four youths broke into a Berrimah business and stole mobility scooters which they rode about 10km to East Arm where they broke into other businesses, NT Police said, while in another incident a Good Samaritan had his car stolen after stopping to help some youths who were trying to change a tyre on a stolen car.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard said in a statement that at an unspecified time on Monday night a group of four youths broke into a multiple Berrimah businesses and stole several mobility scooters at one, which they then used to travel to East Arm, where they broke into other businesses.

It is about a 10km trip between the nearest business in Berrimah that sells mobility scooters and the East Arm businesses that were broken into, factoring in that Berrimah Rd is closed from Tiger Brennan Drive to Tivendale Rd.

Snr Sgt Motter-Barnard also said three youths aged 14 and 15 were arrested for allegedly stealing a Toyota Hilux in Johnston at an unspecified time on Tuesday, which they later abandoned in the same suburb before breaking into a Johnston home and stealing a car, which was later seen by police driving in Marrara about 6:40am. Police said the youths were arrested there but did not say how officers stopped the car.

The youths have been charged with various property offences and were remanded to appear in court on Wednesday.

Snr Sgt Motter-Barnard said another five youths allegedly broke into a Coconut Grove business and later a house in the same suburb at an unspecified time early on Tuesday morning, where they stole a Mazda CX5, drove it to Fannie Bay and attempted to break-into another business before they drove to Coolalinga and broke into a bottle shop and stole alcohol.

He said the car’s tyre went flat in Yarrawonga, and when the group stopped to change the tyre a Good Samaritan attempted to assist but was assaulted by one of the youths, and the group stole his vehicle, which was later found abandoned in Gray.

Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit members arrested three female youths, aged 13 and 14, later in the afternoon, and the girls were released from custody and will be dealt with under the Youth Justice Act 2005 provisions.

Snr Sgt Motter-Barnard said “additional offenders” had been identified and police were looking for them.

“Police want to assure the public that we’re diligently working within the legislative framework to bring those causing distress to justice. We encourage residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as this cooperation is crucial to maintaining the safety and security of our neighbourhoods,” he said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crimes to call them on 131 444, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.