Two 13-year-olds among three arrested after robberies in Hamilton

Police are urging the public "not to put themselves in harm's way" after an alleged robbery of a petrol station and dairy in Waikato this week.

Three young people – including two 13-year-olds – are alleged to robbed a petrol station in Dinsdale early on March 11, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Philip Elvy said.

It was followed by the alleged aggravated robbery of a dairy in Te Awamutu later that day.

Elvy said members of the public had attempted to intervene during the incident at the Te Awamutu dairy.

"While we know these people acted with the best of intentions, we urge people not to put themselves in harm’s way.

"These incidents are unpredictable and can escalate quickly, and the last thing we want is for people to get hurt."

He said bystanders could help – where possible – by taking photographs and video footage and providing it to police.

"This kind of footage can prove invaluable when we are working to identify those involved in this type of offending."

One of the 13-year-olds appeared in Hamilton Youth Court today, with the second due to appear tomorrow.

A 19-year-old wass also due in court.

"Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate two other offenders," Elvy said.