Lower North Island meat and cosmetics theft ring: Four before the court

An alleged shoplifting ring operating throughout the lower North Island has been busted, with four people facing charges after thousands of dollars of meat, cosmetics and clothing were stolen.

Officers were travelling through Paraparaumu at 5.15pm on Thursday when police were told about at a nearby retailer, was taking place, Sergeant Nathan Hessell said.

“A vehicle had been parked outside a retailer at the local mall, with three people reported to be stealing clothing from inside.

“The offenders, who were aggressive and hostile when confronted by staff, then fled to the vehicle with several stolen items and drove away from the scene.”

The same group was involved in the theft of $1700 worth of meat from a supermarket around the same time, said Hessell.

Police spotted the vehicle soon after in Levin, signalling for it to stop, but one of the occupants immediately fled on foot.

“Police chased that person, and he was apprehended and arrested. The vehicle was searched and some of the stolen meat and clothing were located in the vehicle, to the value of $300.

“These offenders are offloading their stolen items to family and friends as soon as they can.”

Further inquiries revealed the four people arrested, and the vehicle they used used, was wanted in relation to shoplifting and petrol drive-offs at several retailers for months.

“The same group of offenders had also allegedly stolen around $4000 worth of meat and $1260 worth of beauty products and cosmetics on [Wednesday]. None of the property stolen has been recovered.”

More arrests possible, ‘several suspects nominated’: Police

Several co-offenders were yet to be identified, but when they were they’d be “located and prosecuted”, Hessell said.

“Police have several suspects nominated for the outstanding offenders.”

A 29-year-old man has been charged with shoplifting, trespass and driving while disqualified, and two women aged 18 and 19 were facing various shoplifting charges. They have been bailed to appear in Levin District Court next week.

A 16-year-old was also arrested for shoplifting and would appear in the Levin Youth Court next week.

All have been given strict bail conditions including curfews, non-association with each other, and not to enter any retail store.

“This was great work by our staff. We now have four people before the court and have cleared numerous charges of shoplifting and theft over the Kāpiti, Horowhenua and Manawatū areas.

“Only a portion of the meat and other items allegedly stolen by this organised group of thieves has been recovered. This meat is being stolen and on-sold to family and friends of the offenders.”

Hessell believed the two female offenders were responsible for thousands of dollars of meat, cosmetics and clothing being stolen throughout the lower North Island.

“Police anticipate many more files and charges will come to light once the offenders are linked to other crimes throughout the area.”