Security cameras in Rotorua's city centre and some quick-thinking by Farmers staff have helped crack what may be a major shoplifting ring.
Three women and a man were spotted by Farmers staff acting oddly in the clothing department just before 2pm yesterday.
When the shoppers left the
store with suspected unpaid items, staff members contacted police while another employee member jumped into a car to follow them.
Although the staff members lost track of them in the central city, police officers manning the security cameras at the Rotorua police station spotted the car the foursome were driving at the Repco carpark on the corner of Amohia and Haupapa Sts.
Senior Sergeant Dennis Murphy, of the Rotorua police, said the car they were driving had been connected to several shoplifting incidents in the Central North Island during the past month.
"It is possible we have caught an organised team of shoplifters operating in the Central North Island."
Two women have been charged with shoplifting clothes from the Rotorua Farmers store.
Another man is to face a range of outstanding charges.
No one from Farmers was able to comment to the Daily Post.
