Rotorua shoplifting suspect accused of $13k thefts found hiding in wardrobe

The woman had a warrant out for her arrest for shoplifting multiple times in several locations. Photo / 123rf

A woman who allegedly stole over $13,000 worth of items was found by police hiding in a wardrobe.

Police said today the woman had a warrant out for her arrest for shoplifting multiple times in Taupō, Tūrangi, Tauranga, Te Kūiti and Rotorua.

She had also breached bail.

Beat Team officers found the 22-year-old hiding in a wardrobe in Rotorua on Saturday after discovering her vehicle and arrested her on 24 charges, almost all relating to dishonesty offences, including 17 for shoplifting.

She is due to appear in Taupō District Court on February 9.

Another alleged shoplifter, aged 20, was also found at the same address.

Police said she was recognised by a tattoo on her forearm.

She is currently on bail with two charges of taking goods worth over $1000 and was due to appear in Rotorua District Court yesterday.

Area prevention co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Sonia Sherborne said the Beat Teams were focused on retail crime and offenders would be found and held to account for stealing.

“You are likely to see our Beat Teams out and about over the Christmas and New Year period.

“We take shoplifting seriously and make no apologies for protecting our communities and local businesses.

“Our communities deserve to feel safe, and we are committed to being present, engaged and responsive in the spaces where people live, work and play.

“Retail crime is a key focus. Shoplifting is not okay, and we are catching offenders in the act, and afterwards.

“We simply won’t stand for that sort of behaviour.”

If you witness any illegal or suspicious activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.