A man accused of stealing everything from loaves of bread to 20-litre cans of soybean oil has been arrested following a string of alleged early-morning thefts across South Auckland.
The 53-year-old was taken into custody after a targeted investigation by the Ōtāhuhu Tactical Crime Unit, which linked a series of opportunistic thefts to a single suspect and vehicle.
Inspector Mohammed Atiq, Counties Manukau West Area Prevention Manager, said the alleged offending began in early April and involved a range of locations being targeted in the early hours of the morning.
“Police will allege the man carried out a spree of opportunistic thefts,” Inspector Atiq said. “Some of the incidents involved taking items left outside, while others involved alleged break-ins.”
Among the haul recovered were multiple 20-litre cans of soybean oil, dozens of slabs of bottled water, 150 loaves of bread, and even a wallet and mobile phone allegedly taken from a parked car.
After piecing together reports and identifying a vehicle of interest, Police spotted it on Roscommon Road in Manurewa and attempted to pull it over. The driver initially tried to evade Police but returned to an address of interest nearby.
When officers arrived at the property, they immediately noticed crates of bread visible in the back of the vehicle—items matching those reported stolen.
“We are always pleased to apprehend those who think this kind of brazen offending is acceptable,” said Inspector Atiq.
The man appeared in Manukau District Court charged with burglary and has been remanded in custody to reappear on 25 June.
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