By Times Team

Copyright times

A law enforcement team tackling retail crime across some south Auckland town centres has clocked up, and locked up, some promising numbers in the past year, say Counties Manukau Police.

In July 2024, the Counties Manukau South Police community engagement team say they noticed that high rates of retail offending were contributing to a general sense of unease among shoppers and business owners.

“This was particularly the case in the busy town centres across Takanini, Papakura and Pukekohe,” police say.

In the past financial year, the team has arrested 67 people, resulting in 741 retail crime charges and $363,232.20 worth of stolen property recovered.

Sergeant Phill Moody says a series of coordinated efforts and multiple investigations targeting individuals and small groups of offenders has been in motion.

“Our team has also spent a considerable amount of time engaging with business associations, big retail stores and standalone local retailers to understand the issues and provide reassurance.

“I’m extremely proud of the team and the great results they have achieved.”

Moody says technology such as CCTV has also played a key role, as well as the increase in businesses reporting thefts.

“Our team remain actively engaged with retailers, business associations, and the national retail investigation support unit and we’re committed to holding these offenders to account.

“It takes all of us to keep our communities safe, and we acknowledge retailers who continue to report matters to us.

“If you see any unlawful or suspicious activity, please contact police. If it’s happening now, or you have immediate concerns for you or someone else’s safety, call 111,” Moody says.

People can report information after the fact or in non-emergencies online at www.105.police.govt.nz clicking Make a Report, or by calling 105. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.