An Auckland man has been charged with carrying out a months-long shoplifting spree, which police say frequently involved the theft of canned corned beef.
A 39-year-old has been summonsed to appear in the Papakura District Court on nine charges of shoplifting, after police apprehended the man yesterday morning.
Counties Manukau inspector Joe Hunter said officers were patrolling on foot at Woolworths Takanini when they noticed workers talking to an alleged shoplifter.
"The man has then attempted to leave the area and was quickly apprehended by staff.
"It appears the man has allegedly taken 20 cans of corned beef and a couple of other items and attempted to leave the store without paying," he said.
Supermarket staff then identified that the man was also sought for several other thefts in Takanini, Manukau and Meadowlands, according to Hunter.
He said the man was charged with eight additional incidents of shoplifting, "most of which involved the theft of canned corned beef".
"The value of the stolen items equates to more than $2000 and dates back to November 2023."
In a statement, a police spokesperson noted "a man with an alleged taste for crime is no doubt feeling a little salty after police canned his plans".
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