Four teenagers – all subject to bail conditions, good behaviour orders or correction orders – have been arrested over alleged armed confrontations at Belconnen Westfield and the Canberra Centre last month.

Police say about 18 young people were involved in an altercation at Belconnen Westfield on March 19, during which knives and hammers were allegedly produced.

On March 27, a second incident occurred at the Canberra Centre involving five young people, where knives and a hammer were also allegedly produced.

Police believe the incidents involved the same two groups of young people.

Two teenagers allegedly involved in the Canberra Centre incident were arrested in Civic on Wednesday afternoon.

On Thursday, police executed 12 search warrants across Belconnen and Gungahlin, arresting two boys over their alleged involvement in the Belconnen Westfield incident.

All four teenagers have been charged with offences including acts to cause public alarm, possessing an offensive weapon with intent, affray and property damage.

Police say all were subject to bail conditions, good behaviour orders or correction orders at the time of their arrests.

A fifth teenager, already in custody for unrelated matters, will also be charged in relation to the Belconnen incident.

Investigations are ongoing and further arrests are expected.

A/Inspector Heidi Wright said the incidents caused significant public alarm.

“Brandishing knives and other weapons in public is a very serious offence and it’s lucky no one was injured during these incidents,” she said.