Police are praising Palmerston North retailers whose quick reporting led to an alleged shoplifter's arrest.

The teen is alleged to have stolen caps from a store near The Plaza yesterday afternoon and was a suspect in another theft where $400 of product was shoplifted. Thanks to the detailed descriptions provided, within three hours the Beat Team was tracking the teen as he moved through a crowd of shoppers at The Plaza.

Following a short foot-chase, the teen gave himself up, and officers also recovered a machete. He is due to appear in the Palmerston North Youth Court on Tuesday 23 December on related charges.

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham is full of praise for the retailers, the Beat Team, and officers who came to assist in the arrest of the young man.

“The businesses didn’t waste any time reporting the thefts and what they provided was gold for us. Their descriptions of the offender went out to officers in the central city, and it made the suspect stand out like a sore thumb. We intercepted him before he could strike again, but without that information he just would’ve been another face in the crowd.

“It’s a great result, and the stores deserve credit for being quick off the mark.

“At this time of year, people of undesirable intention will use crowded stores and distracted staff as an opportunity to steal, but this result shows Police will use the information we get to track those offenders and get them off the street.”

© Scoop Media