Three quick arrests have been made following a daring break and enter which left a prominent Katherine Terrace business down more than $10,000.
One of Katherine’s most secure businesses, 5 Rivers Supermarket, was raided early on Tuesday morning, leaving the business owner shocked and disappointed.
Katherine has been hit with a string of weekend raids over the past month, leaving almost 30 businesses counting the cost from what many considered an organised series of thefts.
Two males, aged 24 and 18, have been arrested by Katherine Police and charged with unlawful entry to the supermarket, significant damage to the property and stealing.
Police also arrested a third 25 year-old male this morning.
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Hundreds of dollars worth of cigarettes and alcohol had allegedly been stolen in the early hours of the morning, adding to the thousands lost to businesses in Katherine over the past few weeks.
Superintendent Dave Hamlyn said Katherine Police was committed to investigating and prosecuting every person involved in these crimes.
“We share the community’s frustrations and will continue to work with other agencies to maintain a safe community,” he said.
Katherine Police are calling on the community for more information in relation to the recent robberies.
“It is a case of reporting suspicious behavior. In relation to the most recent arrests we received information from the public and through CCTV footage,” Superintendent Hamlyn said.
5 Rivers Supermarket owner Bob Loughnan said six young people were seen fleeing the scene by security, after they had triggered the alarm at about 5.29am.
Police are still investigating this latest robbery and are expected to make further arrests.
“[Unlawful entries] over the two previous weekends were essentially connected to a group of seven youths who have all been arrested,” Superintendent Hamlyn said.
“These recent unlawful entries are not related to the previous industrial area break-ins.
“We have identified two more youth who will be interviewed and considered for youth diversion programs,” he said.
The 24-year-old male was remanded in custody following his arrest and is due to appear in Katherine Local Court today, a NT Police spokeswoman said.
The 18-year-old male has been bailed to appear in Katherine Local Court on November 15.
And the 25 year-old male remains in custody.
Break-ins on commercial businesses have doubled in the past year.
Katherine Police are investigating four unlawful entries which allegedly occurred over the weekend, a NT Police spokeswoman said.
Katherine Asian Food Bar and Cafe in the shopping centre was also targeted this week leaving the business owner feeling worried and unsafe.
Despite multiple arrests by police, the break-ins continue across town.
Detectives from Central Investigations along with general duties officers and a crime scene examiner will continue with their investigations.
Anyone with information which may assist police with their investigations is asked to please call 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
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