Bluewater has apologised to those affected by the recent robberies at its shopping centre in Dartford, but defended itself against criticism over its conduct and security.

Kent Police arrested two teenagers after phones and cash were stolen from youngsters at the Bluewater Shopping Centre on December 30.

Following the incident, a 'concerned dad' set up a petition asking the company to improve its security and overhaul its duty of care to victims of crime.

The petition, which has amassed more than 10,000 signatures since it was started, claims the victims of the robberies were left "scared and exposed" by staff after reportedly being left on their own by staff who told them "not to move".

Gareth Johnson MP said he was "deeply saddened" to hear about "what must have been a very frightening experience for the young victims."

In a statement, Bluewater apologised to those affected by the incidents of theft that took place on Monday, adding that it would review how it can improve support for its guests and defended its security procedures.

The statement said: "The safety and security of our staff and guests is always our highest priority and we take all instances of theft very seriously. We would like to reiterate that as Detective Inspector Martin Carter said in the Kent Police statement: “Reports like these are rare but unacceptable nevertheless.”

Bluewater also reassured guests that it had not reduced the presence of security or police at the shopping centre and continues to have a 24-hour security team working with Kent Police, as well as regularly reviewing security procedures.

READ MORE: Two teens arrested after 'knifepoint' robberies at Bluewater Shopping Centre

The petition states that on December 30, "several of our children were robbed of their precious belongings by a group of youths with the threat of being stabbed within Bluewater."

The concerned dad said his son and his friend were left alone for over two hours without any communication from Bluewater except being asked to not move.

"We were essentially left abandoned. There was no attempt after the robbery to provide the children with a place of safety before the parents arrived and there was no attempt to contact us with reassurances in the two hours that followed.

"The children were scared, concerned and exposed."

The petition calls for increased visibility of security and increased police presence, and stresses the need for Bluewater to overhaul its duty of care towards victims of crime.

Gareth Johnson MP said he was "deeply saddened" by the incident but that he knows Bluewater "ensures security is their highest priority and therefore these sort of incidents are thankfully very rare."

The Dartford MP said it was clear from a recent visit that Bluewater and on-site police operate in a highly professional manner, but did say he will be raising the specific concerns that have been highlighted in the petition.