Robbery arrests

File picture

A family group and a 14-year-old were arrested and appeared in court this week on charges relating to the alleged robberies of elderly women and the BP Kaiti Service Station.

Gisborne Police arrested two women and a youth for allegedly robbing elderly women they followed home from supermarkets.

Two of the arrests were made on Wednesday night and the third yesterday morning.

“The trio — a male aged 16 and women aged 40 and 59 — were part of an inter-generational family,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Ford.

“They have been charged with multiple aggravated robbery offences and multiple fraud charges.”

Police executed search warrants on city properties as part of their investigation.

One of the alleged offences against elderly women was in Takanini in Auckland and two were in Gisborne (October 24 and November 4), Det Snr Sgt Ford said.

“All three alleged offences involved similar methods — following elderly women after they shopped at a supermarket and taking their handbags when they got home.

“We want to reassure the public that we believe we have arrested all those involved in this particular matter.”

All three accused made an initial appearance in Gisborne District Court yesterday. Police opposed bail.

They were remanded in custody overnight to appear again today.

Meanwhile, a teenager was arrested and charged with robbing the BP Kaiti Service Station in Wainui Road early on Saturday, November 2.

Two male intruders, one armed with a screwdriver, entered the station at around 5.30am, police said.

They allegedly threatened the two station attendants before making off with a small quantity of cigarettes.

“We arrested a 14-year-old boy yesterday morning at a house in outer Kaiti,” said Det Snr Sgt Ford.

A screwdriver was seized during the arrest.

“The youth has been charged with aggravated robbery, and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.”

Police later on Saturday recovered a stolen vehicle allegedly used by the intruders.

The 14-year-old was bailed after an appearance in the Youth Court yesterday.

Anyone with information about the incident can call police at Gisborne police station on 105 or via the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.