Australian teenager goes off the rails taking trams for joyrides

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2005

MELBOURNE, Australia, (AFP) — An Australian teenager who took a stolen tram for a joyride and picked up several passengers along the way had an obsession that got the better of him, police said.

The 15-year-old allegedly stole two trams within the space of two days from a depot in Melbourne, Australia's second biggest city.

But his second joyride Sunday night came to a grinding halt when police switched off the power about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the depot.

Detective Senior Constable Barry Hills said it was believed the boy, who was bailed to appear in court in June, stole the tram keys three weeks ago.

Hills said if the teenager -- who was not identified -- behaved from now on, he could not see why the incident would prevent him from becoming...