Police were called to Woolworths Roselands at about 12pm on Sunday after a woman was spotted allegedly loading several jars into a suitcase before leaving the store.
A woman was arrested in Auckland’s Papakura over the weekend after she allegedly tried to steal $200 worth of mayonnaise.
Inspector Matt Hoyes said that when officers arrived, “staff were able to provide a really detailed description of the woman”.
Soon after, police found a woman matching that description and wheeling a suitcase at a bus stop on Porchester Rd.
“The woman was quickly taken into custody without issue, and the items were returned to the store,” Hoyes said.
A 32-year-old woman was charged with shoplifting and will appear in Manukau District Court on October 14.
Hoyes praised the “fantastic response” by everyone involved.
“As we have said before, vigilant reporting is often the key to police being able to respond in a timely manner and hold people to account for their actions.
“We thank those in the community who are alerting us to this behaviour.”
He urged the public to be aware of retail theft and to “report any suspicious behaviour in and around shops and malls to a member of staff, security, or police”.
“People can report offending as it is occurring by calling 111, or to report matters after the fact by calling 105.”
