(File photo) Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Seven teenagers have been arrested after an aggravated robbery in the southern Auckland town of Pukekohe.
Police said six young people aged 12 to 18, wearing masks - including two armed with weapons - entered a business in West Street on Monday morning. They demanded tobacco products, which they stole, then went to a nearby address, police said.
The business owner was inside at the time, but was able to quickly move away from the group.
A seventh person drove the robbers to the business in a stolen vehicle, which was later recovered with most of the stolen items inside, Inspector Joe Hunter said.
Several people nearby at the time had "observed the robbery and contacted police, providing a number of updates... that led to the arrest of all seven alleged offenders."
"We are currently working through an investigation which includes conducting a scene examination of the [business] and at the address in Pukekohe where the offenders were located."
The New Zealand justice system treats anyone 18 years old or older as an adult, and anyone 17 years old or younger as a minor - although 17-year-olds can go through the adult justice system if charged with serious crimes.
"Six of the seven alleged offenders are youths," Hunter said, "and we are currently considering charges of aggravated robbery and other offences pertaining to the stolen vehicle."
He said support was being provided to the victim, and police wanted to thank the people who reported details to police as the incident was unfolding.