Shocking footage has emerged of a group of vigilant shoppers confronting two men who allegedly tried to steal $4,000 worth of power tools from a Bunnings store.
The drama unfolded outside the hardware store in Takanini, about 30 kilometres south of Auckland, at the weekend.
Video footage of the alleged incident, which was uploaded to TikTok, shows customers and store staff confronting the alleged robbers.
Several shoppers and staff members were heard swearing at the men as they allegedly tried to grab power tools from a trolley.
“Get out of here, go to hell!” one shouted.
A man wearing an orange reflective vest and another man in a grey hoodie began to walk away quickly.
The couple 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 power tools into the store.
Several shoppers and staff members were heard swearing at the men (pictured centre) when they allegedly tried to grab power tools from a trolley.
The brazen act occurred in front of shocked onlookers, including a woman who was with her two children.
Footage of the incident went viral online and the clip was flooded with comments from social media users praising the shoppers for their quick reaction.
“It’s an amazing job that the community is doing. It shows that the public is no longer just sitting back and watching,” commented one spectator.
Another added: “Well done to everyone who took part in stopping them.”
A third wrote: “Good job guys.”
But some were not in favour of buyers intervening and making matters worse.
“I would advise people not to get involved,” wrote one.
Others said Bunnings should reward shoppers who confronted the men.
“Free grilled sausages for everyone,” one person said.
The dramatic incident occurred outside the hardware store in Takanini (pictured), about 30 kilometres south of Auckland, at the weekend.
Bunnings Auckland regional manager Boyd Lane told Daily Mail Australia that no customers or staff members were injured.
“As this is now a police matter, we cannot comment further,” he said.
New Zealand Police have spoken to the store manager and are working with him to prevent incidents like this from happening again in the future.
“Police advise shoppers that if they believe a shoplifting or theft has occurred, they should alert a member of store staff,” the spokesman said.
“Do not approach the person suspected of robbery.”
Anyone who feels they are in danger should contact the police.