Police Commissioner cancels directive regarding retail crime thresholds

Tuesday 27 May 2025 · 5 outlets · 7 reports · updated Tue 27 May 2025, 7:33pm

In this story Richard Chambers, File Management Centre

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has cancelled a directive that instructed staff not to investigate certain retail crimes below specific value thresholds. He described the memo as confusing and unhelpful, noting it was inconsistent with his expectations. Chambers has requested that district commanders continue to catch offenders regardless of the thresholds.

How they headlined it

5h

11:05am4:55pm7:16pm

1. RNZTue 27 May 2025, 11:05am

   Police Commissioner slams shoplifting directive as 'confusing and unhelpful' (opens in new tab)

   • Police Commissioner on controversial shoplifting directive (opens in new tab) Tue 27 May 2025, 4:55pm
2. Otago Daily TimesTue 27 May 2025, 11:17am

   Police Commissioner slams shoplifting directive (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldTue 27 May 2025, 11:31am

   Police Commissioner labels shoplifting directive as ‘confusing and unhelpful’ (opens in new tab)

   • Police Commissioner says controversial shoplifting directive ‘inconsistent with his expectations’ (opens in new tab) Tue 27 May 2025, 7:33pm
4. 1NewsTue 27 May 2025, 11:35am

   Top cop says retail crime memo 'confusing and unhelpful' (opens in new tab)

5. Stuff via RNZTue 27 May 2025, 7:16pm

   ‘Confusing and unhelpful’ police directive canned (opens in new tab)