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A man who allegedly presented a fake pistol inside a store at an Auckland shopping mall before stealing a hoodie is now in custody, say police.
At about 7pm on Thursday, police received a call from security staff at Lynn Mall shopping centre in New Lynn.
They reported a male had allegedly told staff he wasn’t shoplifting but did have a weapon.
Waitematā West Police area prevention manager, acting inspector Nick Salter, says the alleged offender then lifted his top to reveal the handle of what was reported to be a pistol sitting in his waist band.
“The man has then walked out of the store with the hoodie without paying for it.
“Officers attended and extensive enquiries were undertaken. However, the man wasn’t able to be located.”
Salter says an hour later police received another call from a member of the public regarding a man acting suspiciously on Clayburn Road in Glen Eden.
“The informant described a man on a video call lifting his top to reveal a pistol in his waist band.
“Police arrived quickly and located two people in a stationary vehicle, one of who was wearing the stolen hoodie from earlier, and both were taken into custody.”
A search of the vehicle located a plastic BB gun and a bag of methamphetamine.
“This is a reminder that presenting a firearm will initiate a strong response from police and can result in charges.
“Police take any report of the presence of firearms in the community very seriously and it’s an offence under the Arms Act to possess or use an imitation firearm without a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose.”
A 31-year-old man is due to appear in Waitākere District Court today, August 21, charged with presenting an imitation firearm and shoplifting.
A 48-year-old woman has also been charged with five drug-related charges and is due to appear in Waitākere District Court today.
