Police have cracked out the lolly jar after busting a trio of burglars who allegedly broke into a Tuakau store overnight.
Police released an image of stolen treats laid out over bonnet of a patrol car, including more than 20 chocolate bars, over a dozen ice creams, two bags of lollies and a soft drink.
Counties Manukau South Area Commander, Inspector Joe Hunter, says police responded to reports of a break-in at the store on George Street around 2am.
The Police Eagle Helicopter observed the group as they fled the scene – with a trio of sweet-toothed burglars arrested without incident a short time later.
Insp Hunter thanked community members who called police after hearing the store's alarm sounding.
"This allowed us to respond to this event with our best chance of locating those persons involved."
The trio, aged between 14 and 16, have been referred to Youth Aid in relation to the incident.
All the stolen items were returned to the business.
