A 15-year-old charged with assaulting and resisting police was among at least seven juveniles arrested yesterday by police in swoops targeting juvenile crime in Napier and Hastings.
Details of his alleged offences were not available from police last night, but the youth was arrested about 9am and appeared in the Youth Court later in the day, being remanded to reappear on Monday.
Another 15-year-old arrested late yesterday morning appeared similarly charged with theft, receiving, careless driving and failing to stop for police, while his brother, aged 12, is being referred to Police Youth Aid. In Hastings three youths, aged 14, 15, and 16, have been charged with injuring with intent to injure and a 13-year-old has also been referred to Police Youth Aid, as a result of an alleged attack on a teenaged girl and boy in Windsor Park, Hastings, on Monday afternoon. The charge against the boys carries a maximum penalty of five years' jail, and comes after a 15-year-old was reported to have been punched from behind, knocked unconscious and repeatedly kicked and punched on the ground as his girlfriend tried to stop the alleged assailants.
The arrests follow other incidents in Napier and Hastings, including an assault on a schoolgirl in Karamu Rd, Hastings, on the night of September 12, leading to two girls, aged 14 and 15, appearing in court, and the charging of a boy, 14, with injuring with intent after a 12-year-old was allegedly bashed in Akina Park, Hastings, on his way home from school on August 15. No arrests have been reported in relation to an alleged assault on a 12-year-old girl as she walked to school in Napier on the morning of September 11.
Hawke's Bay Police prevention manager Inspector Andy Sloan said police were pleased with yesterday's arrests, which were the result of "strong community partnerships and an increased police presence in problem areas".