Shock after images of three teenagers in NSW Police custody near Central Station emerge

Shocking images have emerged of three youths in NSW Police custody in the early hours of Tuesday morning near one of Sydney’s busiest transport precincts.

One boy is shoeless as he is patted down by a police officer, the teen’s hands pressed against a wall outside an EzyMart convenience store on George Street in Broadway near Central Station.

It’s about 1.30am and the temperature is 8C.

The 13-year-old, who is wearing ankle socks, closes his eyes as the armed police officer turns out his pockets.

The police officer towers over the slightly built teenager who looks younger than his years. A discarded vape lies on the ground.

Nearby two other adolescents, aged 13 and 14, are in handcuffs as they sit on the ground and watch police frisk their friend.

A NSW Police spokesperson said the trio were attempting to steal a bicycle when police were called, prompting the teens to attempt to flee before officers chased them down.

The spokesperson said the teens were taken to Day Street Police Station before being placed into the care of a “responsible adult”.

“About 1.30am (Tuesday 18 June 2024), police were called to George Street, Broadway, following reports a group of boys had attempted to steal a push bike,” said the NSW Police spokesperson.

“Officers attached to Sydney city police area command attended and three teenage boys — two aged 13 and one aged 14 — were seen to run from police; however, police stopped the boys a short distance away.

“The boys were taken to Day Street police station before being placed into the care [of] a responsible adult.”

NSW Greens justice spokesperson Sue Higginson said there needed to be a serious conversation about how to keep at-risk youths safe, off the streets and out of youth detention.

“These kids look tired, they aren’t safe at home where they should be and are clearly now entangled with the criminal justice system,” she said.

“Whatever underlying causes have led to these tragic photos is what needs to be addressed — and the police are not equipped to do this.

“No one wants to be on the receiving end of crime, but a stolen bike is a pretty minor property crime when we consider that a 13-year-old has been picked up on the streets of Sydney at 1 in the morning.

“An encounter with the police, rather than a diversionary or youth support service, would be a traumatic experience and the encounter is not going to reduce the likelihood of further crime being committed.”

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley was approached for comment.