File image. Photo: Phil Hearing / Unsplash
A pair of Aucklanders have been arrested after allegedly stealing $20,000 worth of Lego from multiple stores.
Police said they have been building a case against the 45-year-old woman and 34-year-old man after a series of shoplifting incidents across the region in recent months.
In each instance, the alleged thieves created a diversion in the store by setting off the fire alarm, before making off with the Lego.
Sergeant Karen Tabb said a search warrant was executed at a Māngere address, where the pair were arrested and some of the stolen property found.
The man and woman were charged with 30 counts of shoplifting, and will also face charges under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act.
"This is an excellent outcome and the number of charges laid reflect the brazen nature of this alleged offending," Tabb said.
"Police will continue to target prolific offending against retail businesses in our communities."
The pair have appeared before the Manukau District Court.
