Supermarket worker chases thief for kilometres

Police are suggesting a Hamilton supermarket worker consider joining the force after they chased a thief several kilometres to retrieve a customer's wallet yesterday.

Senior Sergeant Dave Litton said were called by a running supermarket worker following an incident at the Clarence Street Pak 'n Save about 7pm.

"Our enquiries are continuing however initial indications are a man was lingering around shopping trolleys near the supermarket entrance when he managed to steal a woman's wallet and cell-phone from her trolley," Mr Litton said.

"Our victim gave chase and caught up with the thief but he pushed her to the ground before charging over a supermarket employee and running out the store exit."

Mr Litton said a second supermarket worker saw what was going on and pursued the offender through a number of properties and streets after initially running south from Clarence St.

"The offender eventually doubled back and started heading north all the while being chased by the Pak 'n Save worker who not only had sufficient breath, but the presence of mind to phone 111 enabling us to coordinate our response and capture the offender by Waikato Hospital.

"Though we're yet to locate her cell-phone we were able to return the wallet to the victim. This is a timely reminder to shoppers not to leave your valuables unattended, even for an instant, as you never know whose watching."

Mr Litton said police are considering approaching the supermarket worker about future employment opportunities.

"This man really has gone above and beyond what could reasonably be expected from a person in regards to customer care and he deserves all the accolades possible for his efforts."