Dunedin police have taken a novel approach to dealing with a group of shoplifting teenagers.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Officers were called to Pak'nSave Dunedin about 5.30pm on Sunday after reports of four 17 year olds stealing sushi.
Acting Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said after speaking to the teens officers determined they were stealing it to feed themselves and rather than taking a punitive approach they decided to help the youth out.
"We paid for the sushi before they were trespassed," Bond said.
The teens were warned about their behaviour and no further action was required.