A series of recent violent incidents involving teenagers has raised concerns about youth crime in New Zealand.
In Dunedin on Thursday, 23 May 2024, a teenage boy had died following an alleged assault at a bus stop in the afternoon. Emergency services were called to Great King Street shortly after 3pm, as reported by Detective Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis. The incident, which occurred at a bus stop, left a 16-year-old boy in serious condition. Despite being transported to Dunedin Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries in the evening. A teenage boy was immediately taken into custody and is scheduled to appear in Dunedin Youth Court tomorrow.
Croudis commented, “This is an incredibly tragic situation for all involved. We are providing support to the victim’s family, who are understandably devastated by the sudden and violent loss of their loved one.” He also urged anyone with photos or video footage of the incident from the Great King Street bus hub to contact the police.
In a statement to 1News, Police Minister Mark Mitchell expressed, “This is a tragic situation for the victim’s family and friends, and my thoughts and prayers are with them.” Mitchell emphasized that this is a police matter and assured that more information will be provided when available.
In another incident, two teenagers were arrested this morning following a second aggravated robbery at the same Papakura store that was robbed earlier in the week. Police responded to reports of a robbery at an address on Settlement Road at 6.15am on Friday. Detective Inspector Karen Bright of Counties Manukau CIB confirmed that this robbery occurred at the same location as an earlier incident on Tuesday, which left a woman injured. The robbers in the Tuesday heist wielded screwdrivers.
Police discovered an abandoned vehicle believed to be linked to the group on nearby Laurie Avenue this morning. Inside the vehicle were several cigarette and vape products believed to have been stolen. Bright stated that police inquiries led to the apprehension of two individuals shortly after the robbery, thanks to calls from the public.
The suspects, aged 16 and 17, have been charged with aggravated robbery for this morning’s incident. The 17-year-old will face an additional charge for the Tuesday robbery. Bright mentioned that further arrests and charges related to these “extremely concerning” incidents are possible. “There will be a continued police presence in the Papakura area this morning as our inquiries continue.”
The two arrested teenagers are due to appear in the Papakura Youth Court today.