Bunnings NZ: Customers band together to catch thief trying to make off with tools at Auckland store
- Men allegedly tried to steal power tools
- The pair were confronted by shoppers and staff
- READ MORE: How a man allegedly stole an expensive bottle of whisky
Shocking footage has emerged of a group of vigilante shoppers who confronted two men as they allegedly tried to steal $4,000 worth of power tools from a Bunnings store.
The drama unfolded outside the hardware store in Takanini, around 30km south of Auckland, on the weekend.
Video footage of the alleged incident, which was uploaded to TikTok, showed customers and staff from the store confronting the alleged thieves.
Several shoppers and staff members were heard swearing at the men as they allegedly tried to grab the power tools from a trolley.
'Get out of here, f*** off,' one yelled.
One man wearing an orange hi-vis vest and another man in a grey hoodie began to quickly walk away.
The pair got into a Ford Territory 4WD parked nearby and drove off.
As the commotion unfolded, a staff member was seen carrying a heavy box containing electric tools into the store.
Several shoppers and staff members were heard swearing at the men (pictured centre) as they allegedly tried to grab the power tools from a trolley
The brazen act unfolded in front of shocked onlookers, including a woman who was with her two children.
The footage of the incident went viral online and the clip was flooded with comments from social media users who praised shoppers for their quick thinking.
'Amazing work of the Community. Shows that the public won't stand and watch anymore,' one viewer commented.
Another added: 'Well done to all those involved stopping them.'
A third wrote: 'Good work guys.'
But some weren't in favour of shoppers intervening and escalating the situation.
'I'd advise people not to get involved,' one wrote.
Others said Bunnings should reward the shoppers who confronted the men.
'Free sausage sizzle for everyone,' one person said.
The dramatic incident happened outside the hardware store in Takanini (pictured) around 30km south of Auckland, on the weekend
Bunnings Auckland regional manager Boyd Lane told Daily Mail Australia no customers or staff members were injured
'As this is now a police matter we’re unable to comment further,' he said.
New Zealand Police have spoken with the store manager and is working with them to prevent such incidents occurring again in the future.
'Police advise shoppers that if you believe a theft or shoplifting incident has occurred, you should advise a staff member at the store,' the spokesman said.
'Do not approach the person suspected of theft yourself.'
Anyone who feels they are in danger is urged to contact police.
