Police were alerted and after conducting area inquiries and gaining public help on the direction of the suspects, the vehicle was located and one person arrested.
A police dog unit tracked and located the other alleged offenders who were hiding nearby.
Shaw praised members of the public who helped police with information.
While police searched the offenders and the vehicle, a member of the public pointed them to another car that the women appeared to have hidden behind the Stihl shop.
“Police are pleased to have caught the offenders so quickly – and we’d like to thank the man and his family who were the key to us finding the car that contained three shopping trolley loads of stolen Rebel Sport gear,” Shaw said.
“Locating these offenders so swiftly made it easier for us to recover the stolen goods.
“We are grateful for their help.”
Several thousand dollars worth of products, including clothing and cosmetics from multiple stores, including Rebel Sport, were targeted.
Police are conducting inquiries to establish where the items came from so they can be returned.
A 24-year-old was due to appear in Hamilton District Court on Friday on multiple charges.
Three others, aged 30, 25 and 21, have been bailed to appear at a later date.
