Police have now laid "a brickload of charges" over thefts totalling $20,000 from multiple retailers across Auckland.
Sergeant Karen Tabb said the alleged shoplifting took place in recent months.
“In each instance, the alleged thieves brazenly created a diversion in the store by setting off the fire alarm.”
This month, Sergeant Tabb and her team from the Wiri Community Engagement Team executed a search warrant at an address in Māngere.
“A man and a woman were located at the address and were arrested, along with some of the stolen property.”
Sergeant Tabb said police had charged a 45-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man with 30 counts of shoplifting.
The pair will also face charges under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act.
The pair remain before the Manukau District Court.
