Six children in the Northern Territory who allegedly stole a car and attempted to enter a home got a shock when a man jumped into a helicopter and tracked them as they tried to flee from his property, allowing police to catch them.

Police have arrested two girls and four boys, all aged between nine and 14, after they allegedly stole a car in Palmerston and committed other crimes.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Stringer said events began when the children allegedly went into someone's home and stole a Mazda hatchback.

"The vehicle was then driven out to Noonamah by a number of youths, where it was set alight near Jenkins road, resulting in a small scrub fire," he said.

"It is alleged that the youths then attempted to unlawfully enter a residence in Noonamah before being disturbed by the owner, who contacted police."

But as the children fled into scrubland the owner of the home jumped into his helicopter to try to follow them.

"He was able to track them with the use of his helicopter," Detective Senior Sergeant Stringer said.

A police spokeswoman said the man was speaking to police on his mobile phone from his helicopter and giving directions while police on the ground tried to find the children.

"This is a fantastic result combining Northern Territory Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Bushfires NT and public assistance in locating and swiftly apprehending these [alleged] offenders," Detective Senior Sergeant Stringer said.

On Friday night, the youths were assisting police with their inquiries.