Shoplifters entered a Hastings store mid-afternoon on Tuesday and hit a member of the public before fleeing in a vehicle.
Police responded to reports of shoplifting in Hastings on Waitangi Day at 2.45pm.
Three people filled shopping baskets at a store on Heretaunga St West and hit a member of the public with a bag as they fled the scene on Tuesday.
![Shoplifters filled up baskets then fled the store on Heretaunga St in Hastings. Photo / Warren Buckland](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/5DD6GRBJOZGVXPAP2B2KQZEEO4.jpg?auth=ee61962f03d5fbddeefb85051cceb236d613b4a64cf449da6021e31095c86114&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Police said they searched the area in the CBD for a vehicle but were unable to locate the culprits.