A retail crime unit introduced in the Western Bay of Plenty is receiving praise.

Police put the unit in place after the area had five thousand retail crimes last year.

In just three weeks it's managed to grab 53 offenders and lay more than 400 charges. 

Papamoa Plaza Mall Manager Anne Murphy told Heather du Plessis-Allan that retailers are delighted.

She says while they aren't relaxing yet, they are thrilled it's had an effect so quickly.

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