Police arrested four teens at a Highland Park supermarket. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
A member of the public was assaulted when they tried to stop four teenagers from stealing hundreds of dollars' worth of chocolate from an Auckland supermarket on Sunday night.
The group was allegedly filling backpacks with chocolate and meat when police were called about 5pm.
Police found the teens with nearly $700 worth of chocolate when they arrived at the supermarket in the suburb of Highland Park.
Counties Manukau East area prevention manager Inspector Rakana Cook said police staff entered the supermarket as some of the offenders were attempting to walk out.
Cook said one of the teenagers attempted to push his way past police while they were being taken into custody.
"He has acted aggressively towards one of the staff and assaulted a member of the public who had tried to assist."
Cook said another of the teenagers spat at a constable.
"The group's aggressive behaviour is unacceptable, and they will be held to account through the Youth Aid process."
The four arrested teenagers included two 16-year-old females and two boys aged 13 and 16.
A fifth person is being sought after they fled the store.
Cook said the member of the public who tried to assist left the scene shortly afterward, before being identified.
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