Boys charged after allegedly waving down drivers and stealing items in Coffs Harbour

A pair of boys aged just 12 and 13 have been charged after allegedly stealing from drivers trying to help them. Here’s what we know.

A pair of boys aged just 12 and 13 have been charged after allegedly flagging down cars in Coffs Harbour and stealing from the drivers.

A pair of boys aged just 12 and 13 have been charged after allegedly flagging down cars in Coffs Harbour and stealing from the drivers.

Police say the teenagers asked for a lift on Hogbin Dr at Coffs Harbour before stealing a wallet from a driver about 10am on Wednesday.

It’s alleged the boys then flagged down a second vehicle on the same road, opened the passenger door and swiped a handbag,

Police arrested the boys on Vincent St later that day.

The boys were taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.

Hogbin Dr in Coffs Harbour. File image.

The 12-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of larceny, while the older boy has been charged with one count of larceny.

The boys were granted bail to appear before NSW Children’s Court on March 13.

It comes just a few days after a 17-year-old boy was arrested and accused of committing dishonesty offences across the Coffs region.

Anyone with information should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Coffs community members have expressed disbelief at the young age of the alleged offenders on local social media pages.

“Twelve and thirteen years old – my god. I was expecting adult males. Where were the parents? My oldest is 13 and she’s not allowed to roam around the streets let alone go anywhere without an adult,” one mother said.

Some frustrated residents have even suggested parents should be charged if their kids run riot.