Whanganui Police have arrested two people following an extensive investigation into a series of dishonesty and wilful damage offences targeting local dairies and businesses across the district.
The arrests were made yesterday after staff from the Whanganui Retail Crime Unit, Tactical Crime Unit, and Field Intelligence officers executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into multiple shoplifting, theft, and wilful damage incidents.
A man and a woman, both aged 37, face numerous charges relating to these incidents and were due to appear in Whanganui District Court today.
Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Shaun Jones, said the offending had a significant impact on local retailers, staff, and business owners.
"Offending of this nature places unnecessary financial and emotional strain on business owners and their staff, many of whom work hard to provide essential services to our community.
"We know this offending generated considerable attention on social media, with incidents viewed by thousands of people online. While it may not be obvious to members of the public at the time, a lot of work happens behind the scenes with these reports – Police have been actively investigating these matters, gathering evidence, and identifying those responsible, and yesterday's arrests reflect that work."
Police acknowledge the frustration that this type of offending can cause within the community and hope these arrests provide reassurance that reports are taken seriously and acted upon.
"Retail crime affects more than just individual businesses. It has an impact on the wider community and contributes to increased costs and safety concerns for retailers and their staff.
We remain committed to holding offenders accountable and preventing further harm."
Police would like to thank the retailers, witnesses, and members of the public who provided information and assisted with the investigation.
"The support we receive from our community is invaluable. Information provided by business owners, staff, and members of the public, played an important role in helping us identify those responsible and hold them to account."
Police will continue to work alongside local businesses and community partners to prevent and respond to retail crime across Whanganui.
As the matter is now before the court, Police are unable to comment further.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre