Milk rustlers working Mount Maunganui

Photo / Thinkstock

Thieves working to order have stolen about 1200 litres of milk and other dairy products in Mount Maunganui, police say.

Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier said the thieves targeted delivery trucks at a storage unit on Totara Street three times in the last week.

They carted away 600 two litre bottles of Cow and Gate and Meadowfresh milk, all with a shelf life of about 10 days, in a utility van or truck.

The thieves were likely working at the order of a retailer, Mr Brazier said.

"They've probably got orders from people. Probably a retailer or retailers. This is large scale theft."

Mr Brazier said police were looking to speak to any retailer who had been approached by people looking to sell milk.

Officers would be working with the owner of the Totara Street yard to ensure extra security was in place, he said.

- Herald Online staff