Nearly 50 new barbecues swiped from East Auckland Mitre 10 Mega store in 'callous act'

Police believe the offenders may have used a truck to make multiple visits to the premise. Photo / File

Nearly 50 new barbecues have been stolen from a Mitre 10 Mega store in East Auckland.

Police believe the offenders may have used a truck to make numerous visits to the store overnight in Flat Bush on Monday.

A total of 48 barbecues were taken and while police can not say what the total value of the theft was at this stage, they believe it would be in the tens of thousands.

The stolen barbecues are Weber and Everdure brands and police are asking the public to use their judgment if they are offered a new barbecue at a discounted price, or see them advertised at a low price online on platforms such as Facebook marketplace.

Inspector Chris Barry, Counties Manukau East area prevention manager, said it was particularly disappointing to see businesses being targeted by offenders when many of them are struggling as a result of the Covid pandemic.

"We are determined to hold these offenders to account and we are appealing to who has information about this crime to contact us immediately."

Mitre 10 New Zealand's general manager of retail operations Andrea Scown called the theft a "callous act" which caused "undue distress" at what was already a trying time for anyone in the retail industry.

"Mitre 10 New Zealand is providing support for the member who owns the store," Scown said.

"We hope the stock is recovered and the perpetrators swiftly brought to justice."

POLICE APPEALING FOR INFO FOLLOWING BBQ THEFTS Counties Manukau Police are investigating the theft of almost 50 brand...

Posted by Counties Manukau Police on Tuesday, 5 May 2020