KEY POINTS:
Police have worked with supermarkets and other shop owners to break an organised crime ring.
Detectives say weekend raids in Auckland netted over $100,000 worth of stolen goods.
Five women and a man were arrested on Saturday and charged with taking part in an organised criminal enterprise, receiving stolen goods and a raft of offences involving store thefts.
All were due to appear in Waitakere District Court today.
Detective Sergeant Eugene Pickett, of Henderson police, said search warrants were executed at residential properties and a West Auckland storage unit as part of Operation Olay.
He said the operation was a joint effort with supermarket operators, and that retailers in greater Auckland and other parts of the North Island had been affected.
"Cosmetics, skin care products and razor blades were among the popular items targeted by these alleged offenders," he said.
The investigation was initiated last November after it was discovered that a large volume of stolen products was being sold at local markets throughout Auckland and as far south as Hamilton.
Police said inquiries were continuing and more charges were likely.
- NZPA
