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An 11-year-old was allegedly involved in the attempted armed robbery of a West Auckland shop. 

Police received a report of a group of youths, armed with a non-firearm weapon, entering a store on View Rd, Sunnyvale about 7.40pm. 

The group made demands for money before the store worker managed to leave and contact the police, said Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie. 

“The alleged offenders have then taken a number of items before police quickly arrived and took them into custody. 

“Within minutes of the aggravated robbery being reported, three youths were located and arrested, which is a great result.” 

Goldie said police are committed to holding “those who choose to commit these crimes to account”. 

Three youths, aged between 11-15, have been referred to Youth Aid Services. 

Anyone who witnesses suspicious or unlawful behaviour should call 111 as soon as possible, said Goldie. 

Registered child psychologist Sara Chatwin told the Herald last week that a history of violence, family circumstances and involvement with drugs and alcohol are factors which motivate teens to commit violent crimes. 

Chatwin said another factor for young people related to how they dealt with personal problems. 

“It may be at home. It may be that they feel the educational system is failing them, perhaps they have anger and aggression that manifests in this way.” 

She believes the way to approach the issue is to not assign fault or blame to teenagers. 

“There is not one clear pathway to rectify this situation ... there’s a multiplicity of pathways that need to be optioned so that we get some calm in the chaos.”