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A shopworker at an Auckland hobby games store has been allegedly stabbed by a teenager during a thwarted attempt to steal Pokémon cards.
Police responded yesterday to reports of shoplifting at Hobby Lords, a hobby store on Broadway, Newmarket, where a staff member had suffered a stab wound.
“Ataround 5.40pm, three young males allegedly stole from the business and fled on foot,” Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce said.
An employee from the store chased after them and managed to stop one of the males on Nuffield St.
“The other two young males were tracked to nearby Newmarket Train Station and were apprehended.”
The pair, both aged 13, was spoken to and will be referred to Youth Aid.
“We’re appalled at the unnecessary level of violence that was inflicted on this staff member last night,” Bunce said.
“Police acknowledge the quick actions of Newmarket Security staff and members of the public who quickly swung into action as our staff were responding to the scene.
“This could have a very different outcome, and the victim is recovering from his injuries in hospital today.”
Hobby Lords posted on social media about the incident, saying the injured staff member was “okay”.
A reward had been offered for information leading to the arrest of the teenagers.
The shop also posted a series of pictures from inside the store which showed the boys holding boxed games including a Pokémon League Battle Deck.
The 16-year-old will appear in the Auckland Youth Court on January 26.
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