More teens arrested after 20 break-ins

This time, it was Katherine’s industrial area in Katherine East which was the target of raids and vandalism. 

So far, five arrests in total have been made – last week police arrested two 16-year-old males and a 13-year-old male.

Police are currently investigating the latest break-ins on 10 commercial premises which were unlawfully entered, with offenders allegedly targeting cash, electronics and liquor.

“Police have made two arrests this morning in relation to the break-ins over the past two weekends,” Acting Superintendent Dave Hamlyn said. 

“A 15-year-old male and a 17-year-old male remain in custody and they are yet to be charged,” he said. 

Among those targeted, Katherine Auto Body owner Greg Bain said he was not happy with the weekend’s turn of events. 

Cutting a hole through his back fence to gain access to the premises, the offenders then ransacked the office, emptying drawers and stealing $2500, Mr Bain said. 

“They grabbed the cash and left, we are lucky they didn’t damage the computers,” he said. 

“It is not so much the money stolen, but it is the lost time. I lost a whole day while forensics were here taking evidence. 

“I am not happy,” Mr Bain said. 

This latest spate of break-ins follows a weekend of eerily similar events the weekend before. 

Katherine garage owner Rob Smith’s office and car yard was among those targeted in the first raid. 

Money was stolen from within the diesel engine repair service on Emungalan Road, and about 30 cars in the workshop were ransacked. 

The Katherine resident of 40 years today said he has never heard of a break-in spree like this before. 

“It is just out of control,” he said. 

“These kids think they cannot be touched. The law needs to be changed and these people need to be held accountable. 

“It seems as if everyone has been done now, and this time they are cutting through the back fences and getting in from behind.” 

A police spokeswoman said further arrests are expected to be made and anyone with information is asked to notify police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.