Prolific shoplifters arrested and have court dates set

Counties Manukau Police says they nabbed four prolific shoplifters after allegedly racking up more than $17,000 in unpaid groceries.

Earlier this week, police say they arrested a 54-year-old man of Manurewa after he was identified as a high risk, recidivist retail crime offender.

Counties Manukau Central Police area prevention manager, Inspector Warrick Adkin, says officers visited the man at home where he was arrested and charged with 12 counts of shoplifting and burglary.

Adkin says it’s alleged the man has stolen more $10,000 worth of grocery items and other products in the space of just two months.

“His arrest is a great win for retailers and police as the offender has allegedly been actively targeting retail stores across Counties Manukau on a daily basis.”

Police say the man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in the Manukau District Court on August 18.

Adkin says police also apprehended a further three people in relation to shoplifting and burglary offences throughout the district in the past six months.

“We have charged the trio, who are family members, with a total of 36 charges.

“We will allege the group stole more than $7000 worth of grocery items.

“It’s really pleasing to have brought four people before the court in relation to these crimes and for them to be held accountable for their actions.”

A 54-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in the Manukau District Court on July 22 facing charges of shoplifting and burglary, police say.

A 53-year-old woman charged with seven counts of shoplifting was due to appear in the court on July 4.

A 20-year-old woman facing 14 charges of shoplifting is due to reappear in the court on July 18, police say.