A Friday morning burglary in Albany has Coasties reminded to report trouble quickly after Police recovered $20,000 in stolen clothing.

At about 2.54am, alarms went off at a clothing retailer on Don McKinnon Drive.

When officers arrived, they found the glass shop front smashed and the roller door pulled up.

A stolen vehicle was parked outside, already full of stolen merchandise.

Waitematā East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant CJ Miles, says officers arrived in time to catch the offender mid-raid.

A person who was still loading more stolen goods into the vehicle walked out of the store and was taken into custody on the spot.

Police recovered more than $20,000 worth of property from the scene.

“This is a great example of how quick reporting greatly assists us in being able to stop offenders in their tracks,” Senior Sergeant Miles says.

A 16-year-old was due to appear in North Shore Youth Court on Friday charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a vehicle.

With many Coasties heading through Albany for Christmas shopping this weekend, Police say they will continue to have an increased presence in and around shopping precincts.

They are thanking retailers who report suspicious activity and urge anyone who sees unlawful behaviour to contact Police.

If it is happening now, or there are immediate safety concerns, call 111.

For non-emergencies or information after the fact, go to 105.police.govt.nz and click “Make a Report” or call 105.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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