A group of young people had their plans foiled after a break-in at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre last night.

Mall security reported a burglary taking place at 8.15pm on May 19.

“A group of offenders were seen breaking into a mobile shop inside Sylvia Park,” Auckland City East Police area prevention manager, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy, says.

“They gained entry to the store via the rear door, where once inside they have smashed the cash register and stolen items.”

A timely response by police led to the group being located at the back of the mall.

The group were found in possession of items belonging to several other retailers from within the shopping precinct.

“It’s unacceptable to see young people committing these types of offences, but we are elated the partnership and timely actions by security and police working together resulted in their apprehension and recovery of the stolen items,” Dolheguy says.

The group were aged between 13 and 15 years old.

They’ve been referred to Youth Aid.