Police have laid 80 charges and arrested 21 people as part of an operation targeting shoplifting in Hawke's Bay.
Sergeant Ryan Kemsley said the charges have been laid against 20 people since early March.
In addition to the arrests there have been two summons and two alternate resolution referrals during the clampdown.
"In the coming month, 21 people are due to appear before the Hastings and Napier District Courts on charges including shoplifting, breach of bail, breach of release conditions, wilful trespass, aggravated wounding, threatens to kill, offensive language, and robbery.
"Several items have been targets, including groceries, clothing, hand tools, and electrical goods," Kemsley said.
Each instance of shoplifting averages at $100-500 worth of items stolen, with a few incidents totalling more "than $1000".
He said police are working with retailers and members of the public to understand the region's retail landscape.
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