Countdown supermarket in Takanini, Auckland. Photo: Google Maps
A man accused of stealing $2000 worth of groceries from supermarkets in Auckland over the past four months has been arrested.
Counties Manukau South Area Commander, Inspector Joe Hunter, said they believed he took 20 cans of canned corned beef from Woolworths Takanini on Monday morning.
"It appears the man has allegedly taken 20 cans of corned beef and a couple of other items and attempted to leave the store without paying."
The man has been charged in relation to eight other incidents of shoplifting, most of which involved the theft of canned corned beef.
"The value of the stolen items equates to more than $2000 and dates back to November 2023," Hunter said.
"Thankfully, the accurate store reporting and the visibility of police patrolling the area worked well to identify the offending as it took place, while ensuring other prior offences could also be actioned."
Police encouraged members of the public to report suspicious behaviour in and around shops and malls to a member of staff, security or police, Hunter said.
People can report offending as it is occurring by calling 111, or to report matters after the fact by calling 105.
The 39-year-old man will appear in Papakura District Court, facing nine charges of shoplifting.