Thieves back for drugs

Thieves broke into the same house twice within five days and stole a cancer sufferer's medication, police revealed last night.

In the first theft, the trio climbed through a cat flap and fled with a small amount of cash. They returned to the house on Wednesday and broke in through an unlocked bedroom window between 7.30am and 10.30am.

As well as the cancer medication, the thieves made off with clothing, cash and two Aboriginal dot paintings valued at $1200.

It is believed the cancer medication was for pain relief and to thin the woman's blood.

Police arrested three people after noticing one of them trying to sell a stolen painting at shops at Alice Springs city centre only hours after the theft was reported.

Police later interviewed and charged two men, aged 32 and 19, and a 29-year-old woman.

The woman was found with some of the cancer medication as well as the victim's personal items.

All three were also questioned and charged over a break-in at Annie's backpackers' hostel on Tuesday night.

Alcohol and a can of spray paint were stolen from the hostel. The paint was used to deface a tour bus.

Detective Senior Constable Leith Phillips of Alice Springs police advised people to lock their doors and windows.

The offenders were bailed to appear in court.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 4th February 2005
Author: Greg McLean
Source: Northern Territory News
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News