Manning Great Lakes Police District chief inspector Christine George said there has been a number of reports where elderly residents have been intimated by youth travelling on bicycles.
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Once such incident occurred at about 4.30pm on Monday, May 21 when a 73-year-old male was walking near Bicentennial Park in Taree.
The man was confronted by three males on bicycles, one aged 13 and two aged 14, who asked for money.
When the man refused, they pushed him over and took $50 out of the wallet.
The wallet was then thrown back at the man before the trio fled the scene on their bicycles.
The man attended to Taree Police Station to report the matter.
The offenders were arrested that night by police, who were also investigating another stealing offence committed in a similar area.
They were charged with robbery in company and other offences before they were put before Taree Court on Tuesday, May 22.
They will be dealt with by the Young Offenders Act.
Chief inspector George said many of the incidents have happened along Manning Street in Taree where children have demanded money.
“We’ve had some reports that the elderly folk are a bit intimated by them,” Chief inspector George said.
“It’s really disappointing young offenders would actually target the elderly.”
Chief inspector George said many have stood up to the children and refused to hand over money.
She advised residents of how to handle a similar situation.
“If you are confronted by children or anyone demanding your wallet in town or in an isolated area, I would recommend you don’t fight back.
“You don’t want to be injured, you don’t want to be left injured on the ground.
“If you are in an area where there is a lot of people around, if you shout out people will come to your aid,” Chief Inspector George said.
