Five people have been caught in the act following a shoplifting spree at Botany Town Centre.
At around 4pm yesterday (Monday), Police received a report of a group of people allegedly loading up trolleys at various stores in Botany Town Centre and walking off without paying.
Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook says the group was followed through the mall by a security guard who searched the groups bags and located a number of stolen items.
“A machete and an axe were also recovered from the bag,” he says.
“The group was escorted off site and Police were quickly notified. However, the group made their way to another store nearby where they have proceeded to load up trolleys and leave the store without paying.
“They have exited the store through a backdoor and made their way down to Chapel Road, where our staff quickly took them into custody without incident.”
Inspector Cook says the stolen items have since been recovered and returned to the stores.
“This is an example of excellent Police work in action,” he says.
“Coordinated and clever policing meant we were able to arrest all offenders quickly – that’s an excellent result.
“The safety of the people in our community is of primary importance to Police, and we are committed to doing everything we can to hold offenders to account.”
A 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with shoplifting.
An 18-year-old female will appear in Manukau District Court later this week and one other person has been referred to Youth Aid Services.
Police continue to encourage the public to report offending as it happens by calling 111.
Other matters can be reported after the fact by calling 105 or going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police