Three family members are facing charges after allegedly walking out of an east Auckland supermarket with six shopping trolleys containing food worth more than $16,000.
Police say quick action from the Highland Park store’s staff, who contacted police while the alleged offenders were busy unloading their free haul, meant officers were on the scene within minutes.
“At around 4.20pm on Sunday, police received a report of a group of three people who had allegedly left the supermarket without paying,” Counties Manukau East Police prevention manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says.
“Customers had alerted staff members to the theft after seeing them walk out without paying and load their vehicles with unpaid groceries.
“Police arrived at about 4.30pm and witnessed the trio walking out with another trolley-load of items.”
Cook says two siblings were arrested attempting to leave the area on foot.
“A third person, a son of one of the other people arrested, was taken into custody after being stopped a short distance away with a carload of groceries.
“Thanks to the community who quickly contacted 111, we were able to bring this matter to a swift conclusion.
“I would like to acknowledge everyone’s vigilance in reporting this offending to us, so we could respond.”
It’s estimated the contents of the six trolleys of stolen groceries was valued at more than $16,000.
A 35-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court on March 28 charged with three counts of shoplifting.
A 25-year-old woman charged with one count of shoplifting will reappear in Manukau District Court on April 15.
An 18-year-old will appear in Manukau District Court at a later date.
Police encourage people to report offending as it happens by phoning 111.
Other matters can be reported after the fact by calling 105 or going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105
