Two people have been arrested after multiple Darwin CBD businesses were ram raided in stolen cars in the early hours of Monday morning.
Northern Territory Police Watch Commander Scott Lewis said the alleged offenders broke into a home in the suburb of Bayview and stole two cars about 3am.
A short time later, police received a report of a ram raid at a licensed premises in the Darwin CBD involving both stolen cars, where a large amount of alcohol was stolen.
"At the moment, the extent of damage and the property stolen is still being worked out and a crime scene was also established there," Watch Commander Lewis said.
The alleged offenders then ram raided clothing retailer Attitude for Men, reversing twice through the front of the store.
"Whilst this was occurring, a passing motorists happened to pass by, which caused that vehicle to flee the scene, so they didn't enter that premises. However, they've caused substantial damage to that business," Watch Commander Lewis said.
Police then saw the allegedly stolen cars in Palmerston, pursuing one after the cars split up.
"That pursuit continued for a short period before the offenders pulled over and jumped out of the car and ran into a suburb of Palmerston," Watch Commander Lewis said.
"Police were able to establish a cordon there and the canine units attended. And, a short time after, two offenders were located at a residential address and they're currently in custody with us now."
He said the police were expecting to make more arrests as investigations continued.
Police are also investigating a break-in at another CBD business that they suspect may be connected to the ram raids.
Group flees after alleged rural area break-in attempt
Earlier in the night, around 11:30pm, Watch Commander Lewis said two previously reported stolen vehicles arrived at a pub in Darwin's rural area.
He said about eight people got out of the car "with their faces covered" and "wearing gloves" before staff members came out and confronted them, causing the group to flee.
One of the vehicles was left in the car park.
Watch Commander Lewis said approaching potential offenders in such a situation was potentially dangerous.
"[It's] certainly not something we advise … but [in this case] a good result in the end," he said.
