North Queensland police say they are "mystified" that Townsville teenagers continue to steal cars despite the fatal smash that killed four earlier this month.
On Monday, four boys, aged 12 to 16, were arrested and charged with the unlawful use of a motor vehicle and various counts of assault after a weekend spree.
Senior Sergeant Scott Warrick said he was disappointed that juvenile crime was persisting after the tragic crash.
"It mystifies me," he said.
"Such a tragic event has occurred and yet here we are with the exact same scenario: stolen vehicle, juveniles involved in driving that vehicle dangerously and erratically.
"I don't know what we need to do to get the message through."
Officer, man 'assaulted' during foot chase
Police arrested the four on Monday after multiple witness reports of an allegedly stolen car driving dangerously throughout the city.
Officers say the white sedan, allegedly stolen from a Currajong address on Saturday, was also involved in a minor traffic crash.
It was dumped in poor condition at Bayswater Road this morning.
Senior Sergeant Warrick said police quickly descended on the area and chased the alleged offenders on foot.
"One of the offenders involved has spat into the face and body of one of the police officers in a disgusting act," he said.
Police are pursuing further charges against the group who they say assaulted a man during the chase.
"Information suggests that those juveniles have been running through multiple yards," he said.
"A 47-year-old man has confronted the group and [he] has been struck over the head with a pair of multi grips."
The man was treated at the Townsville University Hospital for a laceration and filed a complaint with police.
The boys will face the Children's Court charged with the unlawful use of a motor vehicle, serious assault of police and obstructing police.
Police said they would oppose bail.
