An alleged wannabe thief was caught with illegal ammunition and arrested outside a Whangārei store after allegedly shoplifting several items.

Police were called to an Ōkara Drive store at 10.20pm after staff alleged the teenager had taken several items without paying.

Whangārei area response manager Senior Sergeant Rene Rakete said local police quickly located the alleged thief and the stolen items in a car outside the shop.

“One person was arrested on the spot and a number of clothing items were located inside.”

A search of the car also recovered several rounds of ammunition.

Rakete praised the vigilance of the store’s staff, putting the speed of the police response down to their quick actions.

“This type of offending, no matter the scale, has a big negative impact on our local businesses and I’m pleased with this outcome.”

The alleged thief has been charged with shoplifting and unlawful possession of ammunition and will appear in the Whangārei Youth Court tomorrow.