Police have arrested two people who they say are "two of the most prolific retail crime offenders" in New Zealand.
Assistant Commissioner Sam Hoyle said in a statement on Thursday that Auckland police were called to Victoria Street West in the CBD in relation to a vehicle of interest.
Cmmr Hoyle said police were wanting to speak with a man and a woman who were allegedly associated with a number of thefts, with the pair located nearby.
"The pair were taken into custody by the frontline staff and were spoken to further," Cmmr Hoyle said.
"Police will allege the pair are responsible for a significant amount of theft, with offending taking place across Tāmaki Makaurau, Northland and Waikato within the past year."
Police said the pair are allegedly responsible for $300,000 in theft from businesses.
A 33-year-old woman is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on Thursday with aggravated robbery and 49 charges of theft.
A 28-year-old man is also due to appear in the Auckland District Court on Thursday charged with aggravated robbery and 31 charges of theft.
"A member of the National Retail Investigation Support Unit has collated a number of investigation files resulting in 82 charges being filed," Cmmr Hoyle said.
Hoyle said police further charges may be filed.
"Police remain committed to investigating offending at retail premises and will continue to work hard in holding those responsible to account," Cmmr Hoyle said.
