The Western Bay of Plenty retail crime unit, set up in August, has already filed more than 400 charges against 53 people.

Initially set up as a trial to “focus on a group of known recidivist retail offenders”, the unit is tracking down the worst retail offenders in the region.

Police say they know there is “one cohort” of offenders responsible for a “large proportion” of retail crime in the Western Bay of Plenty region.

“By focusing on these offenders, police can reduce the level of victimisation occurring in our retail community," says a police spokesperson.

Offenders so far have been charged with theft offences related to incidents at a range of retail stores including supermarkets, dairies, pharmacies, service stations, and clothing stores.

“In some cases, the quantities of items stolen suggest they were going to be on-sold, and that’s where the unit really wanted to focus. Theft of grocery items, in particular meat, is a common occurrence as is the theft of cosmetics and fragrances. Petrol drive offs also appear prominently.”

Police say the unit has filed more than 400 charges against 53 people, meaning some offenders have been charged with multiple offences.

“Others have been investigated but the offenders have not yet been located, the unit continues to pursue these offenders.”

Police have also been supporting local retailers with prevention advice, as staff do across the country.

“It’s important we work with our communities so they understand how best to keep themselves, their staff, and their premises secure and safe.”

While the National Retail Investigation Support Unit operates nationally and works with districts to focus on the most prolific retail offenders working across the country, many regions have their own operations which work on addressing retail crime.

“Examples are Operation Pryor in Hamilton which focused on ram raids, and Operation Rhino in Auckland which focused on commercial burglaries.”