Police say there is a worrying rise in violent crime being committed by young people in South Auckland, with children as young as 12 carrying out aggravated robberies.
Senior Sergeant Mike Fulcher says boys and girls are using violence to get hold of desirable items such as iPhones, iPods, iPads and shoes.
He cited a case where two 14-year-old girls attacked another girl the same age in Pakuranga.
They pulled her to the ground by her hair, injured and robbed her.
Mr Fulcher says that amounts to aggravated robbery.
He is worried the teenagers do not appreciate the severity of their offending which, if heard in an adult court, could result in a sentence of 14 years.
