Four children aged seven, 10, 11 and 12 were caught trying to steal from a Hamilton mall

Officers found the kids holding toys and other goods after alarms at Chartwell Shopping Centre went off about one this morning.

The 11-year-old made a run for it - and fell roughly eight-metres to the ground - injuring his arm.

Police say they gave the boy first aid and sent him to hospital in an ambulance.

They say parents have a responsibility to know where kids are.

The children have been referred to Youth Aid Services.