Attempted robbery at Mapleview Centre mall in Burlington under investigation after part of handgun reportedly seen

Five teens are facing charges following an attempted robbery at a Burlington shopping mall on Thursday, March 30.

At around 5:30 p.m., the victim was walking through the Mapleview Mall at 900 Maple Ave., when he was approached by a group of male and female youths who demanded his wallet and phone, police said.

It's alleged one boy showed the victim the grip of what appeared to be a handgun.

The victim refused to give the suspects anything and walked away.

He then reported the incident to the employees of a store, who called 911.

Halton police attended the scene and soon made five arrests.

Officers also reportedly recovered a replica firearm.

A 15-year-old boy from Stoney Creek has been charged with robbery with a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and breaching the terms of a release order.

He is being held pending a bail hearing.

Four Hamilton youths, who range in age from 14 to 18, have all been charged with robbery with a firearm, while three of them have also been charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The 14-year-old girl was also charged with possession of property obtained by crime for allegedly stealing a shirt from the Disney store.

All but one of these youths also face charges related to breaches of release orders, youth probation orders or youth sentence orders.

They have all since been released on bail or with conditions.