Seven youths have been arrested following a swift and coordinated Police response to a shoplifting incident in Hamilton.
On Friday 17 July, Police were notified of a group of youths entering a store on Te Rapa Road at around 3.10pm.
Inspector Hywel Jones says the alleged offenders targeted a number of items, including a mobile phone and a knife, before leaving the area.
“Although the youths had left before Police arrived, they did not get far.
“A quick and coordinated response by the Waikato Retail Crime Team, supported by the Hamilton Beat Team, led to the youths being located in a nearby carpark and they were taken into custody without incident.”
The alleged stolen items, including the mobile phone and knife, were discarded nearby and were recovered by Police.
Hamilton Police are now investigating whether the youths are linked to a series of alleged shoplifting and theft incidents reported in the area over recent weeks.
Jones says retail crime has a significant impact on businesses, their staff, customers and the wider community.
“This was an excellent result by the Waikato Retail Crime Team and Hamilton Beat Team. Their quick response and effective teamwork meant these youths were located and taken into custody soon after the alleged offending occurred.
“Retail crime is not a victimless offence. It affects businesses, staff, customers and the wider community. We will continue to work alongside our retail partners to hold offenders to account and ensure Hamilton remains a safe place to live, work and shop.”
The seven youths have been referred to Youth Aid.
