A security guard who repeatedly drove off from petrol stations without paying and stayed in the country illegally has had his licence cancelled.
Gurleen Bahia's certificate of approval was revoked in a decision by Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority Trish McConnell on Tuesday.
Police applied under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 to cancel Bahia's licence, saying he was no longer suitable to be a responsible security worker after allegedly committing nine petrol station drive-offs since December 2025.
Bahia admitted to three theft offences committed in December 2025, April 2026, and May 2026, receiving formal police warnings for each.
Police said he continued to offend and faces criminal charges over incidents on August 22 and 28, with four further alleged offences where charges have not yet been laid.
Police also advised that Bahia’s visa had expired, leaving him in New Zealand unlawfully.
Bahia did not attend the remote hearing and provided no written response or opposition to the complaint.
McConnell said Bahia’s "propensity for committing dishonesty offences is increasing", noting concern that the thefts occurred in locations he could be responsible for guarding while working as a security guard.
"In the absence of any evidence to the contrary I am satisfied that Mr Bahia’s recent history of theft of petrol from petrol stations means that he is no longer suitable to be a responsible security employee," she said.
"As Mr Bahia’s visa has expired and he is no longer legally able to work or live in New Zealand I conclude the appropriate penalty is the cancellation of his COA."
McConnell ordered Bahia to return his security ID card to the licensing authority within seven days of receiving the decision.
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