Three people were arrested after they were allegedly caught red-handed with around $1000 worth of meat filleted from Wellington supermarkets over the weekend.
Police were notified of large quantities of meat being nicked from supermarkets in Island Bay and Crofton Downs on Sunday.
A vehicle of interest was then seen headed north from the city and was stopped in Lower Hutt without issue.
Around $1000 of meat, including legs of lamb and assorted steaks, were found in the vehicle and the three occupants were arrested.
All three people were charged in relation to shoplifting offences.
Wellington area prevention manager Inspector Jason McCarthy said police were pleased to butcher the thieves’ plans and deliver them to the scales of justice.
“These were targeted thefts of high-value items, no doubt destined to be on-sold.
“We won’t tolerate this type of offending and are working hard to hold those committing retail crime to account.”
All three, including an 18-year-old Lower Hutt man, were expected to appear in the Wellington Youth Court today.
