"This was a cowardly attack carried out by a group who showed no concern for the victim, leaving him lying on the ground bleeding and making their escape in his car," Mr Kennard said.
"It was fortunate that he was able to make his way to a house nearby and they called an ambulance on his behalf, otherwise this could have had a significantly more serious outcome."
Two males and two females, all in their mid-teens, were arrested and are due to appear in the Hastings Youth Court this week.
Meanwhile yesterday morning Hastings residents assisted the police in capturing "a very athletic" burglar.
Senior Sergeant David Sutherland said a man was disturbed in a York Ave house "first thing" but thanks to alert residents, police quickly cordoned off Tomoana Rd, Fitzroy Ave and Whitehead Rd.
For half an hour of "cat and mouse" the man ran into and out of properties or climbed over fences, with residents helping police find his changing location.
"With the assistance of some local residents and one of the burglar's victims, a very athletic burglar was caught in a Tomoana Rd property," Mr Sutherland said.
Police captured the man and have thanked the public for their assistance - but there is one more job left to do.
Police are asking residents on York Ave, Tomoana Rd, Fitzroy Ave and Whitehead Rd to check their properties for a discarded white T-shirt or singlet.
