Auckland teen charged after $20k North Shore shop burglary foiled

More than $20,000 worth of merchandise was recovered this morning as police interrupted a burglary on Auckland's North Shore. Photo / New Zealand Police

Police are increasing their presence at Auckland shopping centres after a foiled early morning burglary on the North Shore.

More than $20,000 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered, and a 16-year-old caught in the act after police responded to alarms at a Don McKinnon Drive shop at 2.54 am.

Police located the offender loading clothing into a stolen vehicle in front of the smashed-in shopfront.

The youth was charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a vehicle and will appear in North Shore Youth Court today.

Senior Sergeant CJ Miles, Waitematā East Area response manager, said police are increasing their visibility in local shopping complexes as Christmas looms.

“This is a great example of how quick reporting greatly assists us in being able to stop offenders in their tracks.”

She encouraged the public to continue notifying police of criminal behaviour.

“It takes all of us to keep our communities safe, and we acknowledge retailers who continue to report matters to us.”

Suspicious activity can be reported by calling 111 if it is immediate or 105 for non-emergencies.

Belated 105 reports can also be made online here.