Two youths arrested after aggravated robbery in Levin

Two young people at the heart of an aggravated robbery in Levin on Tuesday have been arrested.

The two youths entered the Winchester Store and Dairy on the corner of Winchester and Wilton streets in the Horowhenua town at about 7.15am armed with tools, Area Commander for Manawatū Inspector Ross Grantham said.

They demanded money from the shop attendant who retreated into a back room and called police for help.

Unable to access cash, the pair stole lollies from the store before fleeing on foot.

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The pair went to the carpark of the New World Supermarket on Bath St where they allegedly attempted to steal a car, however they were again unsuccessful.

Instead, they broke into a nearby car and stole a wallet that contained cash and cards.

Soon afterwards they walked to another vehicle on Salisbury St which they began to break into by smashing a window.

However, they were confronted by members of the public who they threatened to assault with the tools they were carrying.

Officers found the pair on foot on Trafalgar St, and they were arrested without incident.

Grantham said referrals to Youth Services have been made for them.

“Police have no tolerance for this sort of offending, and we will use measures available to us to hold those committing this type of offending to account.

“It’s important for families and communities to role model appropriate behaviour, to lead the way with the right support in place from partner agencies.

“Many young people and tamariki we work with experience family violence, exposure to drugs and alcohol, truancy, mental health problems, and neuro or learning disabilities.

“Wrap-around support for young people and their families to address these risk factors is crucial.”