An alleged shoplifter, accused of stealing $13,000, was arrested after she was found hiding in a wardrobe.
On Saturday, officers in Rotorua had tracked down the vehicle of a 22-year-old woman wanted for numerous alleged incidents of shoplifting in Taupō, Tūrangi, Tauranga, Te Kūiti, and Rotorua.
She also had a warrant out for her arrest and had breached bail.
After finding the vehicle, officers found the woman hiding in a wardrobe and arrested her.
She now faces 17 shoplifting charges and a total of 24 charges – most of which were for dishonesty offences.
She was now in custody and due to appear in the Taupō District Court in February.
A second alleged shoplifter was also found at the same property, after she was recognised by a tattoo on her forearm.
The 20-year-old was charged with two counts of taking goods worth over $1000 and is currently on bail.
“We take shoplifting seriously and make no apologies for protecting our communities and local businesses," Sonia Sherborne.
“Our communities deserve to feel safe, and we are committed to being present, engaged and responsive in the spaces where people live, work and play."
Cap thief busted in Palmerston North
Meanwhile, in Palmerston North yesterday, a teen was arrested after being chased by police after he allegedly stole $400 worth of caps from a store at The Plaza.
Three hours after the theft, officers tracked the teen through a crowd of shoppers.
"Following a short foot chase, the teen gave himself up, and officers also recovered a machete," police said.
He was due to appear in the Palmerston North Youth Court on Tuesday.
“The businesses didn’t waste any time reporting the thefts, and what they provided was gold for us," Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said.
"Their descriptions of the offender went out to officers in the central city, and it made the suspect stand out like a sore thumb. We intercepted him before he could strike again, but without that information, he just would’ve been another face in the crowd.
“It’s a great result, and the stores deserve credit for being quick off the mark."
He said the holidays were a time when people were likely to use crowded stores as opportunities to steal.
"This result shows police will use the information we get to track those offenders and get them off the street.”
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Ikea’s teething problem, new Epstein photos, and the worst days to drive this holiday season. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME