Hamilton Police investigating a series of aggravated robberies against teenagers in the Central City credit media coverage for highlighting the issue and bringing more victims in contact with investigators.
But officer in charge of the Hamilton CIB, Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton, said while that was a positive enquiries had revealed Police were often far from the first to know such activity was happening and this has to change.
"Last week we discussed how two males had allegedly been lured from Hamilton's Garden Place down to the banks of the Waikato River by the Riff Raff statue and robbed of clothes and possessions.
"Since then we've interviewed an additional four victims and received information about several more. All the victims were male high school students who were coerced down to the river by a group who they knew to varying degrees."
Mr Thornton said Police enquiries to date had resulted in the arrest of one man who is currently remanded in custody on one robbery and four aggravated robbery charges and a 26-year-old man who has been remanded in custody on two aggravated robbery charges.
"Our investigation is continuing and we're not ruling out further charges.
"But what has become apparent to us is that a number of people were aware of what has been going on but hadn't advised Police."
While the charges the men face are serious Mr Thornton said they were nothing better than school yard bullies.
"Basically these offenders are bullies and they apply the same techniques as bullies- using peer pressure and coercion through threats or actual violence to achieve their aims.
"The way to combat such behaviour is the same as what you would do with a school yard thug, tell someone about it and we implore parents, caregivers or teachers who become aware of such activity going on to ensure Police are made aware of it."
Anyone with further information on what has been occurring or believes they were a victim of the group is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Carl Moon at the Hamilton Central Police station on 07 858 6200.
Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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