(file image) Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A man has been arrested in Auckland city after the theft of more than 50 chocolate bars.
Police said the arrest related to an earlier incident, when a shop in the city was found to be selling stolen chocolate.
Inspector Dave Christofferson said an off-duty officer recognised the man on Wednesday night.
Officers chased him and he was arrested and charged with shoplifting and escaping custody, as well as more charges unrelated to this incident.
The 38-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court on Thursday.
Christofferson said the arrest followed hundreds of charges being laid for retail crimes in the city recently.
Shopkeepers needed to be aware goods being offered at a very low price could be stolen property, he said.
"Our teams are continuing to lay charges for the initial offending, but we are also investigating where these items are being distributed.
"Police will continue to lay charges for theft or receiving offences where these are appropriate."
Police said anyone approached to buy or sell stolen property should not engage and instead report it to police.