The trio was caught with $2,700 from a stolen button, police said

(File photo)
Photo: RNZ

Auckland police say they caught three men with $2,700 worth of stolen loot after a Boxing Day spree.

Staff at a Greville Road store in Albany observed and reported that two men left with items they had not paid for, police said in a statement.

They left in a car driven by a third man, whom police saw parked nearby.

Items believed to be from the store were found in the car, which was then searched and officers found a pile of clothing, perfume, food and toys which they said had been stolen.

“All these items have been returned to their respective stores,” the police spokesman said in a statement.

A 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old man have been charged with shoplifting, as well as a 33-year-old man who also faces a charge of aggravated assault.

All three are scheduled to appear in North Shore District Court on Friday, December 27.