Four Sydney teens charged over multiple alleged gang snatch-and-grab robberies

Four teenagers have been charged following a spate of alleged snatch-and-grab-style robberies as part of a large gang operating across Sydney in recent months.

NSW Police Superintendent David Wardell told reporters this morning that officers from Strike Force Arpen began to investigate the alleged robberies in June.

As part of that operation, three search warrants were executed at homes in Oxley Park and Plumpton, in the city’s western suburbs, and the four teens – two aged 16 and two aged 17 – were arrested.

During those searches, police also seized a Honda Accord, knives, an electronic control device, cash and a stolen credit card.

Supt Wardell today said police believe the group have been operating as part of a larger criminal group that target retail stores.

“What they would do is they would enter retail stores, they would swarm in, grab whatever devices they could grab - mainly phones and electronic devices - and then rush out of the stores,” he said.

“Obviously that was intimidating to customers inside the store as well as staff.

“These are young persons that are committing serious criminal offences across Sydney and we are taking it very seriously.”

Authorities have confirmed a 16-year-old boy from Oxley Park has been charged with six counts of larceny and participating in a criminal group.

He was refused bail by police and appeared at Parramatta Children’s Court yesterday.

The other 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds have all been charged with multiple offences including up to 10 counts of larceny, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime, affray and participating in a criminal group.

Those three teenagers were refused bail, appeared at Parramatta Children’s Court today and will remain behind bars.

To date, Strike Force Arpen has charged 12 young people in total, however Supt Wardell confirmed no alleged robbery has occurred since June 10.