A man will reappear in court on multiple burglary and shoplifting charges after a spate of thefts across south Auckland supermarkets — including one thwarted attempt to steal nearly 250 bars of Whittaker’s chocolate in one go.
Senior Sergeant MJ Riddle said police had been making inquiries into a person of interest following shoplifting incidents across South Auckland in the past few weeks.
She said police acted on information from the public and located an alleged offender at a Papakura property earlier this week who was believed responsible for numerous thefts.
“In one incident, the offender has left the store with 241 Whittaker’s chocolate blocks, valued at $1349.60.
“Fortunately, on-site security staff were able to lock the trolley, which the offender has then tried to drag before it has tipped over and all items were recovered before he got too far.”
Riddle said retail crime was “particularly damaging” to communities and the arrest was an “excellent outcome”.
“Police will continue to target prolific offending against retail businesses in our communities.
“This is also another great example of how the community can assist us in reporting suspicious and illegal behaviour.”
A 37-year-old man will reappear in Papakura District Court on July 8.