Police arresting three accused shoplifters at a supermarket on Auckland's North Shore got more than they bargained for, as a fourth person attempted to flee with stolen goods right under officers' noses.
Around 4.50pm yesterday, Waitematā Police were alerted to a group of men stealing from a supermarket on Barrys Point Rd.
Senior Sergeant CJ Miles said the trio were seen filling their backpacks with alcohol and meat.
"Once they’d tallied up $811 worth of stolen items, the group attempted to leave the supermarket," he said. "One of the men was stopped by store security and two members of the public as he approached the exit. Two others fled the scene on foot."
Officers arrived at the scene within minutes and took one person into custody.
Two others were arrested by nearby police.
A shopping list allegedly detailing items to steal was found in the group’s possession.
While police and store security were attending to the incident, Miles said a fourth, unrelated shoplifter was arrested while allegedly trying to leave the store with a stolen haul.
"Waitematā East Police have achieved a 31% increase in retail crime resolutions year-on-year," Miles said.
"We encourage retailers and our wider community to continue to report shoplifting so Police can take action."
Three men – aged 45, 55 and 57 – were due to appear in the North Shore District Court on April 24 charged with shoplifting.
A 44-year-old man was summonsed to appear in court on shoplifting charges.
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