Police derailed the getaway plans of a group of youths following an aggravated robbery in Mount Albert last night.
Around 6.10pm, six males entered a store on New North Road wearing balaclavas to disguise their identities.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk, of Auckland City CIB, says a member of the group allegedly presented a weapon at the store worker.
“The male demanded cash from the till be handed over.
“The worker complied and was thankfully uninjured.”
The rest of the group proceeded to help themselves to alcohol off the shelves.
The six suspects then fled down New North Road and boarded a train in an attempt to flee the scene.
Police stopped the train and the group was taken into custody. The weapon and alcohol were recovered.
“It is completely unacceptable that retailers in our community are made to feel unsafe in their place of work.
“Anyone who exhibits this type of violent behaviour can expect to be held to account,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kirk says.
A 16-year-old male will appear in Auckland Youth Court today, charged with aggravated robbery.
Five 15-year-old males have been referred to Youth Aid.
