Parents are being warned they may face serious consequences if not supervising their children after several children in Hamilton were arrested over the weekend.
Police say the incidents serve as a timely reminder to parents and caregivers of their supervisory responsibilities.
"On Friday night an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old were aprpehended after breaking into an industrial yard, while another 13-year-old and 14-year-old were arrested after being caught shoplifting in a City Warehouse store," says Hamilton City Area Commander Inspector Rob Lindsay.
He says detectives found a group of 13 and 14-year-olds had robbed another child of their sweets when responding to an aggravated robbery.
Mr Lindsay said the latest incident went beyond common bullying.
"There has been a number of such cases reported lately that go beyond schoolyard stand-overs or bullying. Parents and caregivers need to understand that under the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act, not only can the children face court action - so can the parents," he says.
Mr Lindsay says parents need to know where their kids are and who they are with, and take steps to stop trouble before their behaviour deteriorates to such a degree that police become involved.
If parents find their children mixing with the wrong crowd, they should take steps to address it and seek help, he says.
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