Numerous hours of scouring video footage has led to the arrest of a woman in relation to retail crimes in Thames.
On February 23, Police arrested and charged a 52-year-old woman following multiple shoplifting incidents dating back over the past month.
“This type of offending, especially at this large scale, has a big negative impact on our local businesses and I’m pleased with this outcome,” Eastern Waikato area commander Inspector Mike Henwood said.
The woman was due to appear in Thames District Court on February 24, charged with 20 counts of wilful trespass, and two counts of speaking threateningly.
“I commend the tenacious work of local Police staff to pull these, and other investigations, together to prosecute offenders,” Inspector Henwood said.
“Recidivist retail thieves are not tolerated – by business owners, their honest customers, or Police – and this highlights Police’s commitment to target and hold these offenders to account.”
The Thames Business Association said its members were relieved to see action taken against repeat shoplifting offenders.
“While any single theft might seem small from the outside, the reality for retailers and service providers is that the impact is ongoing and personal… it drives up costs, affects staff morale, and ultimately puts pressure on already tight margins for small and family-owned businesses, as well as creating a less welcoming environment for customers,” the association told The Profile.
“In recent months several members have had to issue trespass notices to repeat offenders, including individuals targeting multiple shops in shoplifting sprees on our main street. These experiences leave business owners and their teams feeling vulnerable and worn down, not just financially but personally.”
The association said other types of retail crime, including repeated break-ins and vandalism, were also a growing concern for businesses.
“The Goldmine Experience has been broken into and vandalised multiple times recently, schools groundskeeping equipment taken, a local midwife had her birthing equipment stolen. These are not victimless crimes – they directly affect the services and heritage our community relies on.
“Local businesses have come together to support each other and work constructively with Police. Through the Thames Business Association’s Bizwatch network, members share information about suspicious activity, offenders, and security issues in real time.
“This collaboration helps businesses protect themselves and gives Police valuable intelligence to act on.”
The association said it appreciated the local police commitment to addressing the issue, but said the strongest response required businesses to stand together.
“We encourage local businesses to join the Thames Business Association and sign up to the Bizwatch network so they can stay informed and help strengthen the collective response to crime in our town.”
