Police arrested four teenagers following an armed robbery at the Festival Place shopping centre in Basingstoke, Hampshire, on the night of February 19, 2026. The arrests happened quickly after reports of a group using weapons to steal from two younger boys, helping to remove dangerous items from the town centre.
The victims, two 15-year-old boys, were approached at approximately 7:37 PM inside the shopping centre by a group wearing face masks. The suspects reportedly used knives and catapults to steal a Nike ski mask before leaving the scene.
Officers from the Hampshire Constabulary located the four suspects a short time later in a nearby shopping area known as The Malls. During the arrests, police seized a knife, three catapults, and the stolen mask.
Those taken into custody include a 19-year-old man from Newbury and three teenagers from Thatcham, Baughurst, and Aldermaston. They were arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of offensive weapons and remain in police custody.
The investigation is part of Operation Spider, a police initiative designed to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime in the town. According to Hampshire Alert, this project remains active in 2026 to help keep public spaces safe for shoppers and residents.
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