Shoplifting a big issue

Managers from rival companies are working together to reduce shoplifting. Photo / File

Shoplifting is a major issue for all supermarkets and large stores in Northland, a union leader representing store workers says, after police had to clear away about 100 unruly youths from outside a Whangarei supermarket.

Garry Hetherington of First Union, which represents supermarket and store workers, said managers in opposing supermarkets New World and Countdown, in the Regent, were working together and comparing files on shoplifters.

Mr Hetherington was not aware of Saturday's incident but said shoplifting was an issue for all supermarkets and large stores in Northland and he has raised concern for the union members' safety as shoplifters would get more emboldened the more they got away with theft.

Police and Countdown Whangarei staff are scrutinising security camera footage after reports of shoplifting and disorder following the congregation of 100 male youths outside the supermarket on Saturday night.

A 21-year-old man was arrested for disorderly behaviour, taken to the Whangarei Police Station and given a formal warning after officers were called to Countdown in Okara Shopping Centre about 9.40pm on Saturday.

Inspector Murray Hodson said about 100 male youths had gathered outside the supermarket and a number of them had gone inside and reportedly stolen items from shop shelves. He said the same group of youths appeared to have been hanging around the Toll Stadium during a public fireworks display and when the display finished they moved on to cause problems at the Okara Shopping Centre. He did not believe the gathering had been pre-arranged.

"Police had worked closely with the organisers of the fireworks display and other agencies such as the Whangarei District Council to ensure the event was an enjoyable for those who attended. During the event the crowd was very well behaved and was having a great time," Mr Hodson said.

"Then we received a call about a disorder incident outside Countdown, which was not far from the stadium. When we arrived many of the young men started behaving disrespectfully towards police and challenged us when we tried to move them on. We were able to gain control of the crowd and the best thing under these circumstances was to move them all on."

Mr Hodson said police would view CCTV footage from the supermarket to see if they could identify any other offending.

Countdown spokesman James Walker said following the fireworks display about 9pm the store had become busy, with a range of customers of all ages.

"Store staff came to suspect that a handful of individuals, around five, were potentially involved in shoplifting. This group was standing around outside the entrance to the store," Mr Walker said.

A staff member then monitored the entry and exit to the store until police arrived about 9.40pm.

"From the individuals outside the store, there were about five individuals who entered the store that we suspect could have been shoplifting."

Last month 13 people were trespassed from the Tikipunga supermarket over one day as part of a Whangarei blitz on dishonesty offences.