An alleged shoplifting ring accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of meat, clothing and cosmetics across the lower North Island has been dismantled, with four people arrested after a traffic stop in Levin earlier this week.
Officers travelling through Paraparaumu received reports of a shoplifting in progress at about 5.15pm on Thursday.
Sergeant Nathan Hessell said a vehicle had been parked outside a retailer at a local mall, with three people reportedly stealing clothing from inside.
"The offenders, who were aggressive and hostile when confronted by staff, then fled to the vehicle with several stolen items and drove away from the scene," he said, adding the same group had allegedly stolen $1700 worth of meat products from a supermarket at around the same time.
Police located the vehicle in Levin a short time later and signalled it to stop.
Hessel said one of the occupants immediately fled on foot when the car stopped.
"Police chased that person, and he was apprehended and arrested. The vehicle was searched and some of the stolen meat and clothing were located in the vehicle, to the value of $300. These offenders are off-loading their stolen items to family and friends as soon as they can."
Further inquiries revealed the four arrested, and the vehicle being used by them, were wanted in relation to shoplifting and petrol drive-offs at several separate retail stores in recent months, he added.
"The same group of offenders had also allegedly stolen around $4000 worth of meat and $1260 worth of beauty products and cosmetics on [Wednesday]. None of the property stolen has been recovered."
Several co-offenders were yet to be identified, but would be "located and prosecuted", Hessell said.
"Police have several suspects nominated for the outstanding offenders."
Of those arrested, a 29-year-old man has been charged with shoplifting, trespass and driving while disqualified, while two women aged 18 and 19 faced several shoplifting charges. They have been bailed to appear in Levin District Court next week.
A 16-year-old was also arrested for shoplifting and would appear in the Levin Youth Court next week.
All were given strict bail conditions including curfews, non-association with each other, and not to enter any retail store.
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