Source: New Zealand Police
Shoplifters were nabbed after stealing thousands from Rebel Sports last night, Thursday 26 March.
At about 7.45pm, three women entered the Rebel Sports store at The Base in Hamilton. Shortly after, they ran out of the store taking armfuls of clothing worth $5,394 with them.
The offenders were seen shortly after struggling with their vehicle before heading towards Boulevard roundabout.
Police were alerted and after area inquiries and some help from members of the public who directed officers in the right direction, the vehicle and one of the offenders were located and arrested.
Other police units surrounded the area and with support from a Police dog unit the other offenders were tracked and located hiding nearby.
Hamilton Police Senior Sergeant Tina Shaw appreciated the members of the public who assisted the Police with information.
“While police were searching for the offenders and the vehicle, a member of the public waved down police and pointed us to the offenders’ car which was hidden behind the Stihl shop.
“Police are pleased to have caught the offenders so quickly – and we’d like to thank the man and his family who were the key to us finding the car that contained three shopping trolley loads of stolen Rebel Sports gear.
Locating these offenders so swiftly, made it easier for us to recover the stolen goods. We are grateful for their help.”
Several thousands of dollars of products including clothing and cosmetics from multiple stores including Rebel Sports were targeted.
Police are still conducting enquiries to establish exactly where they came from so the items can be returned.
Four women were arrested. A 24-year-old is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on Friday facing multiple charges. Three others aged 30, 25 and 21-years-old have been bailed to appear at a later date.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
