Security guard loses licence after petrol thefts and visa issues
Wednesday 7 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Gurleen Bahia has had his security certificate of approval revoked following allegations of nine petrol station drive-offs. Police reported that Bahia also remained in New Zealand unlawfully on an expired visa. The decision was made by a member of the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority on Tuesday.
Key facts
4 facts
- Gurleen Bahia's security certificate was cancelled on Tuesday
- Bahia allegedly committed nine petrol station drive-offs since December 2025
- Bahia's visa has expired, leaving him in New Zealand unlawfully
- Bahia admitted to three theft offences in December 2025, April 2026, and May 2026
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A security guard has had his certificate of approval cancelled following allegations of nine petrol station drive-offs and remaining in New Zealand unlawfully. The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority revoked Gurleen Bahia's licence on Tuesday.
Police applied for the cancellation under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, arguing Bahia was no longer suitable for security work. Bahia admitted to three theft offences in December 2025, April 2026, and May 2026, for which he received formal police warnings.
He faces criminal charges for incidents on 22 and 28 August, while four other recent offences have not yet resulted in charges. Police also noted that Bahia's visa had expired, meaning he was in the country unlawfully.
Licensing Authority member McConnell stated, "In the absence of any evidence to the contrary I am satisfied that Mr Bahia’s recent history of theft of petrol from petrol stations means that he is no longer suitable to be a responsible security employee". Bahia did not attend the remote hearing or provide a written response. He must return his security ID card within seven days.
Where reports differ
- One report identifies the licensing authority member as P A McConnell, while another identifies her as Trish McConnell
Compiled from reports by Stuff and 1News.