Police arrest 13 people, return 45 trolleys to Rotorua businesses during three-day operation

Police have made 13 arrests and returned 45 trollies to their respective stores following a three-day operation in Rotorua. Photo / Andrew Warner

Police have made 13 arrests and returned 45 trollies to their respective stores following a three-day operation in Rotorua.

Police said that from January 21 to 23, they executed Operation Trolley, which focused on engaging and educating local business managers and enforcing the illegal use or possession of shopping trolleys outside the boundaries of their stores.

“While being homeless is not a crime in and of itself, police have recently received complaints in regard to homeless people in possession of trolleys intimidating members of the public and workers as they walk through the CBD,” police said.

“Any antisocial or unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated, and police are committed to ensuring anyone going about their lawful business in the CBD are safe and feel safe.

Upon speaking with local retail store and business managers, police identified several people using retail store-owned shopping trolleys for their personal use without lawful authority.

Police arrested seven people possessing shopping trolleys for receiving an item worth less than $500 and were given verbal warnings.

Six other people were arrested for historical offences including theft, assault, arrest warrants, bail breaches and trespassing.

Police also issued 19 trespass notices, trespassing individuals in possession of a trolley from the trolley’s respective store.

In total, 45 trolleys were returned to their businesses at the end of the three-day operation.

“Homelessness is a social problem which requires a joint effort to address the underlying issues,” police said.

“Police works with a number of agencies to understand these issues, support the homeless, and collectively find homeless people long-term solutions.”

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