Four teenagers have been arrested for their alleged involvement in armed confrontations at Belconnen Westfield and the Canberra Centre last month.

On 19 March, approximately 18 young people were involved in an altercation at Belconnen Westfield where knives and hammers were produced.

On 27 March, five young people were involved in an altercation at the Canberra Centre where knives and a hammer were also produced.

Officers from ACT Policing’s Proactive Policing team began an investigation, and police believe the incidents were committed by the same two groups of young people.

Two of the teenagers allegedly involved in the Canberra Centre incident were arrested on Wednesday afternoon in the City. They were remanded in custody to face court at a later date.

Yesterday, Thursday 2 April, 12 search warrants were executed in Belconnen and Gungahlin and two boys were arrested over their alleged involvement in the Belconnen Westfield incident.

They have all been charged with offences including acts to cause public alarm, possessing an offensive weapon with intent, affray, and property damage.

All of the teenagers were subject to bail conditions, good behaviour orders, or correction orders at the time of their arrests.

A fifth teenager who is already in custody for unrelated matters will also be charged with offences relating the Belconnen incident.

Investigations into the incidents remain ongoing, and further arrests are anticipated.

Detective acting Inspector Heidi Wright, Officer in Charge of Proactive Policing, said the group’s actions caused significant public alarm and would have been confronting for witnesses.

“Brandishing knives and other weapons in public is a very serious offence and it’s lucky no one was injured during these incidents,” Det. a/Insp. Wright said.

“The safety of the community is our highest priority, and we will act quickly to arrest those who cause such alarm.”