Two men who allegedly posed as police officers to rob businesses appeared in court today.
Jeffrey Teina and Labour Arepa Tauariki appeared at the Auckland District Court on charges of pretending to be a police officer.
Police allege the thieves, dressed in a police uniform, distracted workers to allow theirassociates to steal cigarettes and cash.
One of the men is alleged to have claimed he was a police officer at a massage parlour in Mt Albert while his co-accused allegedly robbed the house next door.
Teina, a 30-year-old builder, is charged with entering properties, possession of cannabis, using a stolen bank card and five charges of pretending to be a police officer.
Tauariki, 20, is charged with pretending to be a police officer, entering two buildings and using the bank card. He is also charged with receiving a stolen cellphone.
Both men are due to next appear in court on December 12 this year.
