Officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation after several robberies and stealing offences were reported at a shopping centre on Bluegum Road, Jesmond.

Police will allege a man approached a woman from behind while she was getting into her car about 8pm on Wednesday.

The man allegedly pulled the woman’s bag from her shoulder before fleeing the area. The woman suffered minor injuries.

Following inquiries, police arrested a boy, 17, in Wallsend about 10.30am on Wednesday, June 20.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with trespass, breach of bail, robbery armed with an offensive weapon, robbery in company, and four counts of steal from person.

The teenager was refused bail and is due to appear before a children’s court on Friday.

Inquiries continue.