An Auckland convenience store has been 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.
Police investigating a series of thefts in Auckland allege the goods were stolen from a city supermarket earlier in the day.
A central Auckland retailer - a 42-year-old man - is facing charges in relation to the crime following Friday's search. He is expected in the Auckland District Court on June 7 on charges of receiving stolen property.
"Our staff in the city have been keeping a close eye on the wider picture of those involved in the initial offending, but also where these products are ending up," Auckland City Central Area Commander Inspector Grant Tetzlaff said.
"Enquiries have led to the search warrant being carried out late on Friday."
Charging the retailer was a bittersweet outcome, Insp Tetzlaff said.
"It's really disappointing to see a few small retailers are engaging in the behaviour that we will allege this man has been involved in," he said.
"This behaviour simply continues a cycle of offending and means their industry colleagues are likely to be targeted and victimised in their businesses."
The arrest comes off the back of ongoing efforts to target retail crime offenders.
"In the past six months we have laid hundreds of charges for theft at central city businesses," Insp Tetzlaff said.
But the operation is continuing, with police anticipating investigations into the theft of other items will lead to more arrests.
"We are following some lines of enquiry, and we cannot rule out laying further charges over the initial thefts or those involved in receiving stolen goods."
Insp Tetzlaff also issued a warning about buying stolen goods, saying it too is a criminal offence.
"Our message to retailers is that they should be more aware if they are being approached to buy product at very low prices… If you are being approached to buy at bargain basement prices, you could be dealing in stolen merchandise."
He urged anyone who believed they may have been approached in such circumstances to report it to police.
