Three teen girls referred to Youth Aid after alleged theft in Gate Pa

The three girls have been referred to Police Youth Aide. Photo / File

Three teenage girls have been referred to Youth Aid after an alleged theft at a Tauranga Shopping Centre.

Police said they identified three teenage girls allegedly responsible for the recent theft at the Gate Pa Shopping Centre.

Tauranga South Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Edward Lyttle said in separate incidents, two other people were recently arrested and charged after allegedly intimidating behaviour at the shopping centre.

"It's important our community can visit or go to work at places like their local shopping centre and both feel safe and be safe," Lyttle said.

"As a result, we continue to focus on these areas."

He encouraged anyone who was the victim of crime, or was concerned for their safety or that of others, to report it to police as soon as possible.

"This allows us to form a better picture of what is happening in our community and assess and respond to matters accordingly."

Anyone needing to report a non-emergency should call us on 105.

If the emergency is happening now don't hesitate to call us on 111.

If you have information about an offence that you want to provide anonymously please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.