Police have arrested a 46-year-old woman in relation to alleged prolific shoplifting around the Christchurch area.

The woman is facing three warrants for her arrest, connected to 18 active charges.

An additional 64 charges have been laid against her, including 40 burglaries, all related to retail crime.

Canterbury Metro Commander Superintendent Lane Todd said that one of the alleged shoplifting incidents involved the theft of approximately $400 worth of chocolate.

The woman had also received several trespass notices over the time of her alleged offending, which dates back to as early as April 2024.

This is the second alleged prolific shoplifter caught by police in as many weeks, following the arrest of a 50-year-old man on Friday, 23 August.

Superintendent Todd said police recognise the strain this type of offending places on local businesses. He mentioned that CCTV footage provided by affected stores played a crucial role in making this arrest.

“This behaviour will not be tolerated by police, and we encourage retailers to continue to report suspicious activity,” he said.

“Shoplifters may work as individuals or as part of a group, and suspicious behaviour staff should be wary of may include shoppers who spend a lot of time watching staff or security measures, those entering and exiting the shop without buying anything, multiple people in a dressing room, and shoppers with bulky clothing or bags that can easily hide stolen products.”

Superintendent Todd also mentioned that CCTV footage provided through Auror will be followed up by the team of police dedicated to investigating and preventing offences against retailers.

The 46-year-old woman is due to reappear in the Christchurch District Court on 25 September.