Police have arrested a 30-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman in connection with more than $20,000 worth of shoplifting and fraud across Christchurch. Reported by Brett Kerr-Laurie From The Press.
According to a police spokesperson, officers carried out two simultaneous search warrants in the suburbs of Hei Heiand Hornby around 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, followed by a third warrant later that day.
Detective Sergeant Mike Freeman from the Christchurch Fraud Squad confirmed that “the arrests relate to shoplifting and fraud matters totalling in excess of $20,000,” adding that a large amount of stolen electrical equipment from commercial properties had been recovered.
The thefts are believed to have occurred between October 20 and November 3.
The male suspect appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday, facing two counts of causing loss by deception (over $1000), two counts of motor vehicle theft, and eight counts of shoplifting (over $1000). He has been remanded in custody and will reappear in court on Thursday.
The female suspect is expected to appear later this month on charges of causing loss by deception (over $1000) and motor vehicle theft.