Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Three teenagers have been arrested in Auckland over the stabbing of a supermarket security guard.
Police said a group of 13- and 14-year-olds were allegedly stealing from the New Lynn store on Totara Avenue at about 6.30pm on Sunday and a security guard was stabbed when she confronted one of them.
She was taken to hospital but was not seriously injured.
"The injury has penetrated the security guard's vest and into her torso," Waitematā CIB detective senior sergeant Megan Goldie said.
"She was transported to hospital and thankfully hasn't suffered any serious injuries; however this would have been an extremely frightening incident for the victim and we are providing her with support.
"The violent behaviour on display last night was totally unacceptable, directed toward someone who was just doing their job."
Charges were now being considered.
Offenders becoming more brazen - NZ Security Association
A spokesperson for LynnMall property manager Kiwi Property confirmed the security guard was one of their staff.
"We are aware of an altercation on Veronica Street, New Lynn on Sunday 18 November," they said.
"A LynnMall security guard was providing assistance, however, sustained a minor knife wound as a result. The security guard received prompt medical treatment and is receiving support."
They said the individuals involved in the incident had been trespassed.
NZ Security Association chief executive Gary Morrison said it showed offenders were becoming more brazen.
"The age of the offenders is obviously a concern, and it just further reinforces our concerns around the safety of security staff while providing services.
"The need to make sure they've got appropriate [protective gear], in this case stab vests."
The latest incident was part of a concerning trend, he said.
"Since Covid we've seen an increase in the use of aggression, and that's both verbal and physical, [and] we've seen a feeling of entitlement from offenders.
"It's certainly an increasing situation and a worrying situation."
Morrison said he was working with the ministerial advisory group for retail crime to increase the powers of security staff.
"[We want] security staff to have the power to, for instance, retrieve property or detain offenders."