Possible 8-Yr-Old Agg Robber In Hamilton

New Zealand Police National News Release
9:28am 21 December 2007

http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=3590

20 December 2007

A girl, possibly as young as 8-years-old, is one of three female offenders wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery on Wednesday night.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bu Bear of Hamilton CIB said the victim, a 15-year-old girl, was walking home from a visit to her grandmother's about 9.15pm.

As she was walking along Clyde St, just past Pinfold Ave, she noticed three girls standing near a bus stop on the opposite side of the road.

"One of the girls has yelled out for our victim to give them her cell phone which the victim was holding in one of her hands," said Mr Bu Bear.

"The trio have then crossed the road, following the victim who by now was phoning her mother for help."

"One of the attackers has then kicked the victim from behind while another began pulling her hair".

"Crossing over the busy street the victim has tried to evade her attackers but they have chased and caught her, raining punches on her until she has fallen to the ground".

"While on the ground one of the attackers stole a pink bag which contained 5 Computer games while another attacker took the victims footwear, a black and white polka dot pair of slip on canvas shoes".

"The attackers kept demanding the victim's cell phone, which the youngest attacker took off her"

"All three have then run off in the direction of Peachgrove Rd," said Mr Bu Bear.

The attackers are all described as being Maori girls with the youngest estimated by the victim to be as young as 8.

She was wearing an orange singlet and three quarter length trousers.

The other two attackers are described as being older, between 8 and 15.

Mr Bu Bear said the suggestion someone as young as 8 may have been involved in such a serious crime as aggravated robbery was appalling.

"The possibility of someone as young as that carrying out such offending is of great concern to us.

"The fact they have participated in such activity has us worried about what this activity will lead to and raises definite issues of parental supervision."

Police want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the attack and point out the victim said Clyde St was busy at the time of the attack.

"As well as that there's the stolen phone, the pink bag containing computer games someone may notice or the polka dot shoes," said Mr Bu Bear.

END

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