A couple allegedly responsible for a string of offending at central Auckland supermarkets have been arrested after fingerprints pointed Police in their direction.
Late last week, Police got a forensic lead after multiple burglaries at two of the chain’s stores.
Sergeant Tash Dallow, Avondale Tactical Crime Unit, says a Westmoreland Street West supermarket had been targeted multiple times in recent weeks, including a burglary at 3am on 31 July where a large quantity of meat was allegedly stolen.
“We had positive forensic results and on reviewing CCTV footage we firmly identified a person of interest in our investigation.”
Police believed the person of interest, a Black Power member, was responsible for a series of offending at the supermarket’s Grey Lynn and Mount Eden stores, including three burglaries; one shoplifting offence; and an aggravated assault which occurred during the shoplifting.
The man’s partner was also wanted for shoplifting.
With new information to hand, a search warrant was prepared and executed at a Ponsonby address on 14 August.
“The female suspect answered the door and refused to cooperate. She was arrested,” Sergeant Dallow says.
A Constable well-versed in hide and seek located the man hiding under a pile of clothes in a wardrobe, and he was also arrested.
The couple had allegedly stolen a combined total of $9,000 worth of meat, which was allegedly sold in exchange for methamphetamine and cash.
“This was a great result as these offenders repeatedly made staff feel unsafe at their place of work.
“Retail crime is not a victimless offence, and Police will continue to hold offenders to account,” Sergeant Dallow says.
Police are making further enquiries into the sale of the stolen goods.
A 40-year-old male has been charged with shoplifting; three counts of burglary; and aggravated assault. He was remanded in custody and will reappear in Auckland District Court on 14 October.
A 43-year-old woman has been charged with shoplifting and will appear in Auckland District Court on 20 August.
