A designated retail crime unit is making a difference in Tauranga's CBD.

More than 1200 charges have been laid against 215 offenders in just six months.

Tauranga Pharmacy Co-owner Kelly Mitchinson says when people call the police, something actually happens now.

She says police didn't care as much in the past unless violence was involved.

"They'd come in here, super entitled- they'd come in with a shopping bag. And these are repeat offenders, so I think some of those particular offenders have been charged now, some have ended up back in prison."

LISTEN ABOVE

A designated retail crime unit is making a difference in Tauranga's CBD.
More than 1200 charges have been laid against 215 offenders in just six months.
Tauranga Pharmacy Co-owner Kelly Mitchinson says when people call the police, something actually happens now.
She says police didn't care as much in the past unless violence was involved.
"They'd come in here, super entitled- they'd come in with a shopping bag. And these are repeat offenders, so I think some of those particular offenders have been charged now, some have ended up back in prison."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.