Officers are on the beat more around retail areas in Hawke's Bay to try and deter shoplifting. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
Twenty-one people have been charged with crimes ranging from shoplifting to threatening to kill and robbery, after a police operation in Hawke's Bay.
Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley said Operation Makipai which began earlier this month focused on recidivist shoplifters.
Twenty-one people were due to appear before the Hastings and Napier District Courts facing 81 charges including: Shoplifting, breach of bail, breach of release conditions, wilful trespass, aggravated wounding, threats to kill, offensive language, and robbery.
The targets of those accused of shoplifting included: groceries, clothing, hand tools, and electrical goods.
In some incidents goods worth more than $1000 had been stolen, he said.
"These thefts are incredibly disruptive, and in some cases distressing for businesses and retail staff who are just trying to do their jobs."
Offenders were being trespassed from the stores.
"Police's focus is on targeting recidivist shoplifters, deterring them from continuing and others from engaging in the same activity," Kemsley said.
Officers would maintain a more frequent presence in supermarkets, shopping centres, and malls in the region, he said.
A police officer visits a retailer in Hawke's Bay. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
