Papakura Redhill Superette robbery: Four teens arrested

The shop workers used a hockey stick and cricket bat to combat the thieves. Photo / Facebook

Four female teenagers have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a South Auckland dairy robbery.

Workers at Redhill Superette in Papakura defended themselves with hockey sticks and cricket bats during the robbery on Sunday.

Counties Manukau police yesterday labelled the teenagers' actions "deplorable and disgusting" after CCTV footage of the incident was uploaded onto Facebook by the shop's owners.

One young woman is seen walking behind the counter and opening a cabinet of cigarettes. She begins loading up her arms with boxes of cigarettes, even as a shopkeeper arms himself with a hockey stick.

More teenagers then storm the shop, with one holding a long stick she uses to hit the workers. At one point, one of the group can be seen outside the door -- holding a toddler.

The youngsters begin taking items, including a worker's iPhone6, from the counter. Another attempts to take off with the till, but is unsuccessful.

A 13- and 14-year-old have been referred to Youth Aid while two 16-year-olds have been charged with aggravated robbery and will appear in Youth Court.

Three search warrants were executed at separate addresses in Papakura in relation to the incident at the superette.

Police are still working to locate a male teenager allegedly involved and are following up positive lines of enquiry.

Counties Manukau south area prevention manager, Inspector Mark Rowbottom, hoped the arrests would provide some degree of comfort to the victims, and to the Papakura community.

"Incidents like this are a reminder to parents and caregivers to make sure you know where your tamariki are and who they are associating with," he said.

"We want to assure the public that we will not stand for this type of behaviour and will act quickly to apprehend those responsible to prevent any further harm to the community."