ALBANY COUNTY — Three boys — including a 10-year-old — stole nicotine products and energy drinks from an Altamont gas station early on Saturday morning, April 4, according to Investigator Kristopher Scarano of the Guilderland Police.

Two days later, a similar burglary took place at a gas station in Westerlo.

For the Altamont theft, the two juveniles, ages 13 and 14, were each charged with three felonies — third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief, and fourth-degree grand larceny — and a misdemeanor: fifth-degree conspiracy.

The 10-year-old was not charged because of his age.

Third-degree criminal mischief involves unlawful property damage over $250 while fourth-degree grand larceny generally involves theft of property valued over $1,000.

Police responded at around 5:20 a.m. on April 4 to a reported burglary and larceny at the Altamont Sunoco at 200 Main St. A staff member called police upon arriving at work and discovering missing items, Scarano said.

Asked about the motive, Scarano said, “You’ve got to put yourself into the mindset of a child.”

Police developed suspects and executed a search warrant at a residence; Scarano would not say where the boys lived, explaining it was to protect their privacy.

Police found evidence at the searched home linked to this burglary as well as another burglary in Westerlo, Scarano said.

The two juveniles were processed, referred to Albany County Probation, and turned over to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office in connection with that incident.

Westerlo incident

The Westerlo burglary took place on Monday, April 6, at the Citgo gas station at 3664 Route 85, according to a release from the sheriff’s office, which said events unfolded this way.

Deputies arrived to find a front window was smashed and determined $300 in cash had been taken from the register along with $2,500 in tobacco and vape products and about $100 worth of alcohol.

The sheriff’s investigators identified three suspects, locating them on April 8: a 10-year-old and 13-year-old from the town of Knox, and a 14-year-old from the village of Altamont.

The 10-year-old was referred to the state’s Office of Children and Family Services.

The 13- and 14-year-olds were each charged with three felonies: third-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, and third-degree criminal mischief.

They were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear at Albany County Probation at a later date.