Five girls accused of robbery attacks

Five girls aged 15 to 17 have been arrested after a taxi driver and an 18-year-old woman were attacked and robbed in two separate incidents in Hamilton overnight.

Inspector Rob Lindsay said the girls would appear in Hamilton Youth Court today.

In the first of the two incidents, two girls beat up the 18-year-old woman and took her wallet outside a fast food restaurant on Ward St at 9.30pm. Two girls aged 15 and 17 were arrested over the robbery.

In the second, three girls armed with a sharpened weapon robbed a male taxi driver of $10 on Norton Rd about 1.30am. A 16-year-old and two 15-year-olds are accused of that attack.

Mr Lindsay said last night's incidents were part of a growing problem in the city involving girls.

The weekend before, several girls were involved in a large fight at the Balloons Over Waikato Night Glow event and three girls were arrested for the assault and robbery of another girl on a City bridge, he said.

"The answer in addressing offending by not just girls but youths in general lies with people taking responsibility.

"Parents and guardians have an obligation to the rest of the community to ensure they have control and can account for young people in their care while the rest of the community has a responsibility to report suspicious activity to police."

- NZHERALD STAFF