'Ninja grannies' to the rescue

Carol Girven, of Hastings, was helped by two elderly women to delay a brazen shoplifter in a clothing store. Photo / Warren Buckland

At 74, Mary Beran is proof age is no barrier to fighting crime.

The great-grandmother and other elderly women who happened to see a shoplifting incident at Miller's clothing store, in Hastings, have been described by a staff member as "Ninja grannies" after they helped detain the thief.

The Miller's staff member said she noticed a female customer putting items in her bag last week and confronted her.

A tussle ensued and the grannies browsing in the shop quickly sprung into action.

Hastings teacher Carol Girven closed the shop doors while staff called police and two other women, Ms Beran and Ann Godwin, 78, scolded the suspected shoplifter.

Ms Girven said she was "a bit shaken" by the incident. "I closed the door and the other two ladies standing by me told the shoplifter she had to wait and not to treat people like that."

Ms Beran, of Clive, said the shoplifter caught her by surprise. She had just been "having a nosey" in the store when she found herself thrust into the role of granny vigilante.

"It was quite an experience. I was not aware exactly what was going on until I saw this woman push [the staff member]. We were all behind her. We were all making sure nothing would happen.

"You always think someone would come to your aid if you were in that situation.

"I think the grannies today are a lot younger than the grannies years ago."

Police Senior Sergeant Nick Dobson said the shoplifter, who eventually escaped the store but was later arrested, faced charges of common assault, shoplifting and threatening. She failed to appear in the Hastings District Court on Tuesday and there was a warrant out for her arrest.