Supermarket staff foiled an abusive man’s alleged attempt to steal a trolley-full of food. Video / Supplied
A 28-year-old woman will appear in court today after police recovered three bags full of items allegedly stolen from a Pukekohe supermarket yesterday.
A police spokesperson said officers were conducting a “prevention patrol” near the Pukekohe Central branch of Woolworths about 2.45pmwhen they were alerted to a woman allegedly stealing from the store.
After receiving the tip from a member of the public, officers approached a woman who fitted the suspect’s description.
A search of some nearby bushes revealed three bags full of pilfered product.
The haul of items recovered after an alleged supermarket theft. Photo / NZ Police
Inspector Matt Hoyes, Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, said the officers found “10 tubs of mayonnaise, 13 bottles of shampoo and 66 blocks of chocolate stuffed inside the bags”.
“None of the items had been paid for and she was quickly taken into custody,” Hoyes said, adding that CCTV inquiries assisted in the arrest.
“Offending like this is a blight in our community and we’re pleased this alleged offender will be held to account for her actions.
“We take these matters seriously and our staff will continue to target recidivist retail offenders.”
Photographs released by police show the alleged thief was a name-brand fan.
Pantene shampoo was targeted, alongside Best Foods mayonnaise and multiple flavours of Whittaker’s chocolate.
The items were recovered from a nearby bush. Photo / NZ Police
South Auckland supermarkets have been hit by Whittaker’s thieves in the past, with one prolific shoplifter arrested last year after attempting to steal 241 blocks of Whittaker’s chocolate from a South Auckland supermarket in one go.
“Fortunately, on-site security staff were able to lock the trolley, which the offender has then tried to drag before it has tipped over and all items were recovered before he got too far,” Counties Manukau South Senior Sergeant MJ Riddle said at the time.
In one incident, the man left a supermarket with 241 blocks of Whittaker’s chocolate, valued at $1349.60. Photo / NZ Police
Best Foods mayonnaise has also been stolen from of the supermarket before.
Police laid it on thick in a media release at the time, saying they had “closed the lid” on the thief and “relished the opportunity” to assist in finding the alleged offender.
The suitcase filled with mayonnaise that was allegedly stolen from an Auckland supermarket. Photo / NZ Police
They were more restrained this time, only noting they had yesterday made a “sweet arrest” after finding the bags “choco-block full of stolen items”.
Police continue to encourage the public to report offending as it happens by calling 111.
A 28-year-old woman will appear in Pukekohe District Court today charged with shoplifting.
Chris Marriner is an Auckland-based journalist covering trending news and social media. He joined the Herald in 2003 and previously worked in the Herald’s visual team.
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