Police arrest teens, seize $12,000 worth of tobacco products in Porirua

Police investigating the burglary of a Tītahi Bay store near Porirua have recovered $12,000 worth of tobacco products and arrested three teenagers.

Police said members of the public alerted officers to the incident after observing suspicious activity at a store on Main Road around 10.40pm on Thursday.

The alleged offenders then took off with a suitcase filled with cigarettes, leaving the scene in a waiting vehicle.

Kāpiti Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins said police located three people of interest within minutes.

“Thanks to the people who reported that suspicious behaviour, we were able to prevent a significant loss to a local business,” Perkins said.

“Now three people are facing consequences for their alleged actions.”

A 19-year-old Porirua man and two teenage boys have been charged in relation to the offending.