Police Scrap Controversial Retail Crime Directive After Public Outcry

A police memo that quietly set dollar-value thresholds for investigating theft and fraud has now been scrapped by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, following intense public and retail sector backlash.

The internal directive suggested that retail crimes under certain values — like shoplifting under $500 or fuel theft under $150 — could be “filed away” regardless of evidence or leads. The retail community and public saw this as giving a green light to low-level crime.

“Some might think we were giving a license to break the law — that’s not the case,” said Commissioner Chambers in a press conference. “The memo was inconsistent with my expectations and has been withdrawn.”

Chambers emphasized that retail crime has not been deprioritized, saying it remains a top focus for police. He said the public and retailers play a crucial role in reporting and providing evidence, which helps hold repeat offenders accountable.

The Commissioner acknowledged that the directive caused confusion and damage to public trust. He confirmed he hadn’t been aware of the memo until it was reported in the media and read it for the first time just days ago.

Retailers, already dealing with rising crime, were quick to express concern. A Retail NZ survey found over 140,000 incidents of retail crime in the past year, with 99% of businesses affected and many incidents going unreported due to lack of faith in follow-up action.

Retail NZ, the Motor Trade Association, and other advocacy groups welcomed the Commissioner’s response and reassurances, but say they’ll continue to push for a zero-tolerance approach to retail crime.

 Chambers says the police will continue to prioritize serious and repeat offending, and urges everyone to report all incidents — no matter the value.

“We won’t always be there immediately, but we will do our best. Every theft hurts. And every report matters.”