NEWS

Three boys charged after robberies in north Broadview area

Three teenage boys have been arrested after 10 robberies in the East York and Riverdale neighbourhoods between Feb. 19 and April 7.

Five convenience stores, four gas stations and one pedestrian were robbed at knifepoint over that period, police say.

Two 16-year-old males were apprehended when 55 Division officers responded to the last robbery call near Broadview and Mortimer avenues on April 7.

A third male, 17, was arrested on April 24 after further investigation by the Hold Up unit, according to a media release by police today.

Police say the holdups of stores were carried out by one to three boys entering premises, disguising their identity with scarfs and hoodies pulled tight around their faces. The boys allegedly pointed knifes at store employees and demanded money.

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Several times the boys reportedly went behind the counter removing cigarettes, cigars, and cash.

On March 29, a 20-year-old man was walking on the sidewalk near Broadview and Danforth avenues when he was robbed of cash at knifepoint by two boys, police say.

One 16-year-old is charged with ten counts each of robbery with a weapon, possession of a weapon and disguise with with Intent, as well as with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

The other 16-year-old faces nine counts each of the same charges, plus possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, possession for the purpose of crack cocaine, possession for the purpose of crystal meth, and possession of the proceeds of crime.

The 17-year-old is charged with two counts of robbery with an offensive weapon, two counts of possession of a weapon and two counts of disguise with intent.

They are each scheduled to appear on April 30 or May 22.

They may not be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.