A team tackling retail crime across some south Auckland town centres have clocked up, and locked up, some promising numbers in the past year.
In July 2024, the Counties Manukau South Community Engagement Team noticed that high rates of retail offending were contributing to a general sense of unease among shoppers and business owners alike.
This was particularly the case in the busy town centres across Takanini, Papakura and Pukekohe.
In the past financial year, the team has arrested 67 people, resulting in 741 retail crime charges and $363,232.20 worth of stolen property recovered.
Sergeant Phill Moody says a series of coordinated efforts and multiple investigations targeting individuals and small groups of offenders has been in motion.
“Our team has also spent a considerable amount of time engaging with business associations, big retail stores and stand-alone local retailers to understand the issues and provide reassurance.
“I’m extremely proud of the team and the great results they have achieved.”
Sergeant Moody says technology like CCTV has also played a key role, as well as the increase in businesses reporting thefts.
“Our team remain actively engaged with retailers, business associations, and the National Retail Investigation Support Unit and we are committed to holding these offenders to account.”
“It takes all of us to keep our communities safe, and we acknowledge retailers who continue to report matters to us.”
If you see any unlawful or suspicious activity, please contact Police.
If it is happening now, or you have immediate concerns for you or someone else’s safety, call 111.
Information after the fact or in non-emergencies can be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or by calling 105.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Zero tolerance
Come down on these parasites – hard
Maybe we could try some old and tested deterrents?
They need to be trespassed from the retailer involved and from other stores in that chain if there are more than one
If they repeat offend trespass them from the town
Cut off their food and services
Might be a good opportunity for AI and facial recognition
It can’t all be bad
Time for the kid gloves to come off
Not surprising given the cost of food these days eh Luxon?
I was severely embarrassed at the supermarket the other day
Because of shrinkage my Whittaker’s peanut slab slipped out of the trolley
Some other vigilant shopper alerted me
Good to know there’s still honest people around
Thank you. At least one here who uses critical thinking.
I have very little sympathy for grocery stores. Mainly because of the obscene profits owners make. Even more for their blocking of other stores trying to establish too close to them. Then there is the return produce if it doesn’t sell policy and charging suppliers more money to be in prominent positions within the shop. All these policies artificially increase costs.
Shortage of supply is sometimes caused by seasonal shortages. I have recently found out NZ butter high exports has affected local retail price here.
Genuine competition between retailers is long overdue. Profiteering regulations and set prices for basics should be imposed until NZ has competitive alternatives.