A pitstop to curb an officer's chocolate craving led to the arrest of two wanted shoplifters in Queenstown.
On Tuesday 24 February an officer stopping in at a supermarket in Frankton noticed two men matching the description of offenders from a previous shoplifting incident.
Upon enquiries, the officer located further evidence indicating the pair were also shoplifting at the time, and they were subsequently arrested.
Otago Lakes Central Area Commander, Inspector Paula Enoka, says this is a great catch and a further step towards Police’s crackdown on retail crime.
“I would like to commend the officer - their keen eye and attention to detail is what has led to this arrest.
“This type of offending puts a big strain on our local businesses and will not be tolerated by Police or the community.
“Police are committed to targeting retail crime and holding offenders to account, which these arrests are testament to,” says Inspector Enoka.
The two men, aged 19 and 20, are due to appear in Queenstown District Court on 23 March, charged with shoplifting.
If you witness any retail crime, or any other crime, please call 111 if it is happening now, or for historic offending, please make a report, with as much information as possible, either online or by calling 105.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre