23 Feb 2023

Pair charged over Auckland thefts amounting to $300k

2:43 pm on 23 February 2023
Ministry of Justice sign outside the Auckland District Court

Police called the pair "two of the most prolific retail crime offenders in the country". Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Two people have been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $300,000 from Auckland businesses in multiple thefts.

A 33-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man face 82 charges between them after being arrested on Thursday.

Police called the pair "two of the most prolific retail crime offenders in the country".

The arrests come after police on Thursday were called to Victoria Street West, in Auckland CBD to investigate a vehicle of interest.

"The pair were taken into custody by the frontline staff and were spoken to further," Assistant Commissioner Sam Hoyle said.

The woman has been charged with 49 counts of theft and one of aggravated robbery. The man has been also been charged with aggravated robbery, plus with 31 counts of theft.

Both were to appear in Auckland District Court on Thursday.

"Police cannot rule out further charges being filed," Hoyle said.

"We know how much this sort of offending can impact on business owners and the public. This is a fantastic result for our community with the pair put before the court."

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