5 Sep 2023

Police make arrests after group loads up trolleys in failed shoplifting spree

2:28 pm on 5 September 2023
Exterior signage at the Manukau District Court

Two men are today expected to appear in Manukau District Court charged with shoplifting. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Four people, some armed with an axe and a machete, have been arrested for shoplifting in Auckland on Monday.

Police were alerted to a group of five people loading up trolleys with goods at stores in Botany Town Centre at around 4pm.

The group was followed through the mall by a security guard who found several stolen items in their bags, as well as the two weapons.

The group then went to another store, loaded up trolleys and left through a backdoor.

They were later arrested on Chapel Road.

Two men, aged 26 and 24, and an 18-year-old woman are expected to appear in Manukau District Court, charged with shoplifting.

One other person has been referred to Youth Aid.