Waikato Police have arrested 12 people, which includes 10 youths, in relation to a service station robbery in Whatawhata on Wednesday.
At about 7am on Wednesday, police were called to a service station on Horotiu Rd after several people entered the station and allegedly assaulted staff and took cigarettes.
Detective Sergeant Nick Stark said the offenders then fled the scene in three stolen vehicles.
"One of the vehicles was located by police responding to the incident, and a 15-year-old was taken into custody."
Det Sgt Stark said not long after the incident, police located "a number of young people" at a residential address where stolen cash registers and large amounts of cigarettes were found.
"A further 11 people were arrested from this address."
Ten youths ranging in age from 9 to 15 years old will go through the youth process, with a number of them already having appeared in the Youth Court.
Police said two women aged 22 and 32 years old were also charged with receiving property and will both appear in the Hamilton District Court at a later date.
Det Sgt Stark added two service station staff members received minor injuries during the incident that didn't require medical attention.
"They are however understandably upset about what happened that morning and will be offered victim support."
Det Sgt Stark said a "considerable number" of police teams were deployed during the robbery, adding "the arrests have been a good outcome".
