An alleged chocolate thief has been chased by police through Auckland's CDB after fleeing on foot.
Auckland Central Area Prevention Manager Inspector Dave Christoffersen said an off-duty officer recognised the man walking through the city on Wednesday night and alerted colleagues.
"The man was approached by staff and was placed under arrest, before he ran on foot," Insp Christoffersen said.
"Unfortunately for him, our Beat Team were patrolling and chased this man on foot before arresting him on Albert Street."
The 38-year-old man is facing three charges of shoplifting, escapes custody as well as unrelated charges. The shoplifting charges relate to the alleged theft of Whittaker's chocolate bars that were recovered last week.
"He will be appearing in the Auckland District Court today and we are opposing his bail," Insp Christoffersen said.
It comes after an Auckland city retailer was arrested last Friday for allegedly receiving more than 50 stolen chocolate bars.
The 42-year-old's store was searched by police investigating the distribution of stolen goods, and cops found more than 50 blocks of chocolate they believe was stolen to on-sell.
"Retailers need to be very aware that if they are being approached to buy goods at a very low price that they very well may be dealing in stolen property," Insp Christoffersen warned.
"Our teams are continuing to lay charges for the initial offending, but we are also investigating where these items are being distributed.
"Police will continue to lay charges for theft or receiving offences where these are appropriate."
Insp Christoffersen advised anyone approached in these circumstances not to engage and instead report information to police.
He said these arrests also follow hundreds more charges laid for retail crime offences within Auckland's central city in recent months.
