The police arrested two of the women and recovered some of the stolen items. File photo.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Police say three women facing shoplifting charges left the courtroom and proceeded to steal number plates from a vehicle parked just outside before going on a theft spree in Pukekohe.

In a statement, Senior Sergeant Mary Jane Riddle said that after leaving the courtroom on Tuesday, the trio went on to commit further shoplifting offences.

“After leaving the court, the trio are alleged to have stolen number plates from a vehicle which was parked just outside.

“They then traveled to several shops in Pukekohe where it is alleged they stole hundreds of dollars worth of items.”

Two of the women were arrested without incident at an auto shop, and police were able to recover some of the stolen items, she said.

A 29-year-old woman and an 18-year-old woman are due to appear at Pukekohe Magistrates’ Court on further shoplifting charges.

Police say they are still looking for a third woman in connection with the incident.