Source: New Zealand Police
Police bagged a car full of stolen groceries after stopping a vehicle on Auckland’s North Shore.
Just after 1pm on Monday, the Waitematā Beat team was responding to a report of shoplifting at a supermarket on Barrys Point Road, Takapuna.
A review of CCTV footage showed the suspect concealing meat and chocolate inside his backpack before fleeing.
Waitematā East acting Area Prevention Manager, acting Inspector CJ Miles, says CCTV helped link the alleged shoplifter to a vehicle.
“A short time later, the vehicle of interest was sighted on Sylvan Avenue, and the driver was signalled to stop.
“A search of the vehicle was invoked, and officers located around $300 worth of stolen groceries in the car boot.”
The passenger was arrested, and amongst the stolen goods, a methamphetamine pipe was also found in his possession.
Further enquiries revealed the man was connected to four other shoplifting incidents across Auckland over the past two months.
“This was a great collaboration between Waitematā East staff and the Waitematā Beat Team, whose teamwork meant this recidivist offender was quickly located and taken into custody.
“Retail crime is not a victimless offence, and Police will continue to hold these offenders to account,” Acting Inspector Miles says.
A 49-year-old man appeared in North Shore District Court today, charged with five counts of shoplifting and possession of a methamphetamine utensil.
He has been remanded in custody and will reappear on 3 August.
ENDS.
Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/21/grocery-run-doesnt-check-out/