A man has been arrested by police after allegedly receiving more than 50 blocks of chocolate stolen from an Auckland supermarket last week.
Officers seized the Whittaker’s chocolate after carrying out a search at a central Auckland convenience store on Friday, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff said.
“Our staff in the city have been keeping a close eye on the wider picture of those involved in the initial offending, but also where these products are ending up.
“Inquiries have led to the search warrant being carried out late on Friday.”
A 42-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court on June 7 charged with receiving stolen property.
It comes as Whittaker’s announced it would be increasing its prices due to a significant spike in the cost for ingredients last week.
Tetzlaff called the arrest a “bittersweet outcome”.
“It’s really disappointing to see a few small retailers are engaging in the behaviour that we will allege this man has been involved in,” he said.
“This behaviour simply continues a cycle of offending and means their industry colleagues are likely to be targeted and victimised in their businesses.”
The man’s arrest comes as part of a police operation into the distribution of stolen goods, which has seen “hundreds of charges for theft at central city businesses” laid in the past six months, Tetzlaff said.
It includes the arrest of a woman last week after allegedly stealing dozens of boxes of scorched almonds.
“The operation is continuing, and police anticipate investigations into theft of other items will lead to arrests.”
Tetzlaff called on retailers to “be more aware if they are being approached to buy product at very low prices”.
“If you are being approached to buy at bargain basement prices, you could be dealing in stolen merchandise.
“We are following some lines of inquiry, and we cannot rule out laying further charges over the initial thefts or those involved in receiving stolen goods.”