Police have laid charges over offending allegedly involving a group of young people on Auckland’s North Shore in the past month.
Operation Jacaranda began as an investigation into an aggravated robbery in Takapuna on 22 August and has since identified further offences.
Inspector Aron McKeown, Waitematā East Area Commander says a dedicated team of detectives have undertaken a complex investigation involving multiple victims, several suspects, and extensive enquiries.
“The investigation required the review of extensive CCTV footage, social media content, and forensic examination of mobile phones.
“During the enquiry, investigators identified additional incidents allegedly involving the same group.”
This includes an aggravated robbery in Belmont on 13 September.
“Unfortunately, this offending has involved the same victim and offender as the initial incident in August, for which an arrest had already been made,
“That offender, a 14-year-old female, has since been remanded in custody and is facing a charge of aggravated robbery with further charges pending,” Inspector McKeown says.
This week, Police also charged a second 14-year-old female. She will appear in North Shore Youth Court on 30 September and faces two counts of aggravated robbery; two counts of assault with intent to injure; shoplifting; and taking/using a document dishonestly.
Police are continuing to make enquiries into the offending in Belmont last week.
Inspector McKeown says enquiries are ongoing to locate the second offender involved in that incident, and Police have recovered and returned the victim’s watch that was allegedly stolen.
“Police acknowledge the significant concern these incidents have caused the victims, their families, and the wider community.
“We have no tolerance for these acts of violence, and it is understandably distressing for the victim to have encountered one of the alleged offenders on two occasions.
“Police have maintained regular contact with the victims and their families as we worked to hold the offenders accountable.”
Operation Jacaranda remains ongoing, and Police are continuing to speak with those involved.
To date, four youths aged between 14-16 have been referred to Youth Aid.
