Northern Territory night of terror: Top end is threatened by a wave of carjackings, burglaries and ram raids
- Several incidents took place in the NT
- These included carjackings and burglaries
- In an incident, a family lost their car
The NT experienced another night of terror on Saturday after a wave of carjackings, burglaries and ram raids.
Police said several incidents occurred in Palmerston and the Darwin area between 10.30pm Saturday and 5am Sunday.
In one, a 39-year-old man carjacked a family car at a gas station, kicked them out before fleeing in their car.
He reportedly drove in the wrong direction and collided with another car before finally being caught by police.
Meanwhile, five to eight people are said to have been involved in incidents, in which three vehicles were reportedly stolen.
They are also charged with five burglaries and one attempted burglary.
In one, a 39-year-old man carjacked a family car at a gas station, kicked them out before fleeing in their car
Businesses targeted included gas stations, licensed locations and commercial properties.
The group, believed to be all young adults, is currently being hunted by the police.
One of the targets was a supermarket. A vehicle drove into the building during a ram raid.
Additional agents have been sent to Darwin to aid their investigation.
NT Police Chief Daniel Bacon said it had been a particularly bad night for property crime.
“This is quite disgusting and selfish behavior by the individuals who are committing these crimes,” he told ABC.
Police in the state say several incidents occurred in Palmerston and the Darwin area between 10:30pm Saturday and 5am Sunday
“The behavior of these particular individuals endangers not only their own lives, but also the lives of other road users in the Northern Territory.”
Earlier this month, NT police revealed a drop in calls for domestic violence, property crime and alcohol-related violence following the introduction of stricter alcohol laws in the area.
However, last month a 20-year-old worker was stabbed to death in a bottle shop in Darwin, sparking more calls for action to tackle crime in the NT.
In January, national coverage of the crime spree led Mr Albanese to visit the area.
He pledged funding to tackle crime, including $25 million for community services, $2 million for the Tangentyere Women’s Council, $2 million for high-visibility police operations, and $2 million for additional lighting and streetlights for the area.