East Auckland’s top police officer is acknowledging members of the public who intervened during a recent disorder incident at a local supermarket.
Counties Manukau East Police area commander, Inspector Scott Gemmell, says police thank everyone who reported a distressing incident that unfolded at Beachlands Countdown.
As the Times recently reported, several calls were made to police about disorder and fighting at the supermarket just before 3.30pm on November 20.
Police received information suggesting members of a group were attempting to steal items, a spokesperson said.
There were reports of about four people in the store who were injured, although not seriously.
Numerous locals commented on a Facebook post about the incident with an eyewitness saying the women involved “lost control and started throwing and breaking things”.
Other people said a man in the supermarket slipped on a drink that had been spilled on the floor after being thrown by one of the people involved, while another said an older man and a woman were injured during the melee and bystanders attempted to intervene.
Police initially said three people were taken into custody following the incident, but have now confirmed four were.
A 20-year-old woman is due to appear in the Manukau District Court at a later date on a driving-related matter, while three others would be referred to Youth Aid.
“When we get information as an incident unfolds, such as descriptions of people and clothing and vehicle colours and registrations, it greatly assists our response,” Gemmell says.
“I would also like to acknowledge those who put their personal safety aside to help in this situation.
“Police generally discourage people from taking matters into their own hands as it can put them at greater risk of harm and police are trying to avoid escalation in these situations.
“We advise anyone with concerns for their safety or who’s witnessing suspicious behaviour, to report this as soon as they can.”
Gemmell says people can do that by phoning police on 105 if the crime has already happened or on 111 if they’re in a situation where their safety is at risk or the incident is ongoing.
Information can also be provided anonymously on the free Crimestoppers tip-off line on 0800 555 111.
