A Hibiscus Coast teenager will appear in the North Shore District Court this week after police allege he and two others stole clothing and personal items from other teenagers near Westfield Albany on Friday morning.

Waitematā East Area Commander Inspector Mike Rickards says the group approached two victims near the shopping centre and made demands before taking their belongings.

“On Friday morning, three offenders have approached our two teenage victims near the shopping centre. From there they have made demands and stolen clothing as well as other personal items from the unsuspecting teenagers,” Inspector Rickards says.

Police quickly traced the investigation north to the Red Beach area, where an 18-year-old man was arrested.

He has been charged with demanding with menace.

Two others, aged 13 and 15, were referred to Youth Aid.

Property allegedly stolen from two 12-year-olds in a separate Albany incident on 24 September was also recovered.

Police are considering further charges.

“It’s an awful experience for these young victims during school holidays to go through what they have,” Inspector Rickards says.

“Police hope that this provides some reassurance to the community that we are holding offenders to account while also recovering stolen property.”

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