Three men will appear in court tomorrow after allegedly shoplifting at a Pukekohe supermarket.
The brazen incident unfolded around midday on Saturday 23 March on Manukau Road.
Counties Manukau South Area Commander, Inspector Joe Hunter, says the offenders allegedly filled a shopping trolley full of meat products.
“They then walked through the self-checkout without paying, while also threatening a member of the public who had confronted them during the incident.
“The offenders left the store and loaded the stolen meat into a vehicle in the car park and drove away.”
Inspector Hunter says Police were able to locate the vehicle thanks to the fast actions of a member of the public.
“I would like to acknowledge the person who noted the number plate of the alleged offenders’ vehicle and passed this onto Police.
“In Drury, a Police unit signalled for the driver to stop on Great South Road which he did, and the stolen meat was found inside. Three men were taken into custody without incident,” he says.
Inspector Hunter says the meat, valued at around $750, was recovered and returned to the supermarket.
“Following enquiries, we have laid additional charges over an earlier incident at a Pokeno supermarket on 21 March where around $1000 in meat products were stolen.”
Two men, aged 39 and 25, are scheduled to appear in the Pukekohe District Court tomorrow 27 March facing multiple shoplifting charges.
A 28-year-old man is also set to appear on shoplifting charges, and faces a separate charge of speaks threateningly.
Police continue to urge those who witness crime or see something suspicious happening to contact Police immediately on 111.
“Retail crime and associated acts that cause people to feel unsafe are a real concern for Police and our communities.
"Timely calls to Police enable us to attend these events as quickly as possible,” Inspector Hunter says.
To report an incident after it has occurred, please contact 105.
Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Tony Wright/NZ Police