Police claim the trio, aged 18 and 16, walked into a resources business on Long Swamp Rd just before 2pm on Wednesday.

The teenagers are alleged to have distracted employees inside before one jemmied open the cash register and stole an amount of cash.

New England Detective Sergeant Matt Crotty said the trio ran into nearby bushland and police were alerted.

“Police from the Armidale Target Action Group (TAG) were patrolling the area and located two young males a short time later,” he said. 

“They were subsequently questioned and searched and an amount of cash was found on both of their possessions.”

Shortly after, police tracked a third teen nearby in Galloway St and a quantity of cash was seized. 

All three teenagers were charged with larceny with the 18-year-old bail refused. 

“This was a pleasing arrest with police able to quickly recover the money taken from the business premises,” Detective Sergeant Crotty said.