By 1news.co.nz and is republished with permission
A woman has been arrested at Auckland Airport after allegedly assaulting a worker and trying to leave a store with more than $1400 worth of items in a trolley.
Police have alleged the woman threatened workers with a weapon, which police clarified was not a firearm.
Auckland Airport Police response manager senior sergeant Wendy Pickering said police were alerted to an incident whilst doing routine prevention patrols at the Auckland Airport Retail Centre on Thursday, May 30.
“Around 10.30pm, staff at a nearby retail store waved down Police as they had just observed a woman attempting to leave the store with a trolley full of items.
“It is alleged there was over $1400 worth of items in the trolley, and that she was also in possession of a weapon.”
The woman allegedly assaulted a staff member, and threatened others with the weapon.
“Our staff responded quickly to the scene and arrested the woman, who is also alleged to have been breaching her bail conditions,” said Pickering.
The 26-year-old woman has since been charged with shoplifting and aggravated assault.
She is due to reappear in the Manukau District Court on Friday, June 14.
Senor Sergeant Pickering says this type of behaviour is unacceptable.
“Over recent months, police have two marked vehicles in and around the retail centre, which assists us with prevention of these types of incidents in the area.
“Police are also working with retail staff and managers at stores in the retail centre and we thank those who are proactive in reporting matters to us so we can respond accordingly.”
