Gang, youngest 7, caught in toy raid

Police say they are shocked after four children, one just seven years old, were caught attempting to steal from a Hamilton shopping centre in the early hours of yesterday morning. Multiple alarm activations alerted the police to the break-in at the Chartwell Shopping Centre about 1am. Staff arrived to find the four children, aged seven, 10, 11 and 12, at the scene holding stolen toys and other goods, police said in a statement. The 11-year-old ran off after seeing the police, however staff chose not to followhim and stayed with the other three remaining youngsters. In his attempt to flee, the boy had fallen approximately eight metres to the ground, injuring his arm. ‘‘The children had been referred to Youth Aid Services and would be followed up by our youth engagement teams,’’ Hamilton city area commander Inspector Andrea McBeth said. ‘‘It is important to note that resolving this type of youth offending is an issue that does not fall solely on police. ‘‘This is a social and community issue and parents have a responsibility to know where their children are and to ensure they are safe.