POLICE have advised Wellington shopkeepers to avoid challenging people they suspect of shoplifting.

Sgt Jon O’Connor met with Wellington Town Council on November 4 where he was asked about shoplifting and whether it was still worth people reporting incidents.

He urged businesses to “still report shop thefts” but advised that the quickness of a police response would depend on resources.

“I wouldn’t advise anyone to challenge these people they suspect of shoplifting,” he said. “But if you’re a business owner – it’s your shop; so you can act like a nightclub bouncer and if you don’t like someone, you don’t have to allow them in and you don’t have to give a reason.”

Sgt O’Connor said Halloween festivities had passed off well in Wellington although they quickly dealt with a “select few” early on.

“There were a few who were the proverbial pain in the … but we got them out of the way early,” he said.