Shoplifting in Avondale
Routine patrolling in Avondale has bagged a prolific shoplifter.
Late on Tuesday night, a frontline unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle sought by Police on Blockhouse Bay Road.
“It was around 11.43pm, when staff were carrying out prevention patrolling in the area,” Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson says.
“The vehicle was stopped as its registered owner was sought by Police.
“The man was not the registered owner but after speaking with the driver further, his identity was established.”
Inspector Robertson says the man had numerous warrants for his arrest over dishonesty offending, including shoplifting.
“The man was a person of interest to our National Retail Investigation Support Unit.
“He was arrested on the roadside, and while he was being spoken to Police observed methamphetamine inside the vehicle.”
Police have since charged the man with more than 20 shoplifting offences, along with possession of methamphetamine.
“We will allege he was responding for offending at retail stores right across the city, with nearly $10,000 in offending since September,” Inspector Robertson says.
The 34-year-old man has appeared in the Auckland District Court and will reappear on 19 March.
“This is a great outcome from our staff and is another example of the work going into targeting recidivist retail crime offenders.”
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
-
71.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
-
18% Hmm, maybe?
-
10.4% Yes!
Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Loading…
