Numerous reports of thefts in Gloucester city centre were reported to the police on Wednesday, April 12.
The series of incidents – which happened between around 4pm and 6.30pm – involved a group of teenagers, some of whom were using e-scooters and had their faces covered.
In one incident two teenage boys were approached by a group of boys and girls on Eastgate Street between 4pm and 5pm and it was reported that the boys robbed the victims of cash.
Another incident was reported around 6pm and 6.15pm outside the bus station on Station Road where a boy was approached and asked to empty his pockets and his bag.
Cash was stolen and, when he refused to hand over his phone, he was pushed over.
Concerned parents alerted the police about threats of violence during the incidents.
Following enquiries which included a CCTV trawl, three arrests were made by specialist officers from the Gloucester and Forest Vanguard Team, with support from Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Three boys from Gloucester, two aged 13 and one aged 16, were arrested yesterday (Thursday, April 13) on suspicion of robbery.
They were later released on police bail with conditions which include to not enter parts of the city centre, and one also had a condition to not be in possession of an e-scooter.
Sgt Matt Puttock, from the Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “These incidents would have been frightening for the young victims involved, especially with the threats of violence which they were faced with.
“This behaviour is unacceptable and we appreciate that this will likely cause concern for parents whose kids might be spending some of their time in the city centre during the remainder of the school holidays.
“Our officers will be patrolling the city and anyone who has concerns is asked to please speak with us.”
The investigation into the robbery series is ongoing and police are asking anyone with any information about this incident to contact them.
Information can be provided by completing an online crime information form on the Gloucestershire police website by quoting incident 363 of April 12.
