Two boys allegedly involved in a Saturday night crime spree earlier this month have been caught.
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The boys, aged just 14 and 15, allegedly broke into six Katherine businesses in one night causing extensive damage.
The youth arrests follow the launch of Operation Pelion, a year-long operation to crack down on shop break-ins.
Police statistics show shop break-ins have risen more than 160 per cent in Katherine over the past year, the biggest jump of anywhere in the NT.
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“Northern Territory Police have arrested two youths as part of proactive policing efforts to stop commercial break-ins in Katherine,” a NT Police spokeswoman said.
“The teenagers and their co-offenders entered a premises in Katherine East and stole two vehicles at approximately 1:00am on Saturday, February 2.
“When police arrived at the scene, the offenders dumped the vehicles before fleeing into the surrounding bush land.
“Police allege the group later broke into a further five premises and caused extensive damage.”
According to the NT Police spokeswoman, the 14-year-old boy was arrested yesterday and has been granted bail to appear in Katherine Youth Justice Court on February, 15, 2019.
He was charged with six counts of unlawful entry, six counts of criminal damage, unlawful use of a car and stealing.
The 15-year-old was arrested on February 9 and is being considered for Youth Diversion
Anyone with information in relation to these incidents is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
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