Retailers are seeking clarity on a Police directive on shoplifting. 

RNZ reports police staff have been told to not investigate allegations of theft below $500.  

Police may not take further action if the reports don't have enough evidence, such as CCTV. 

Chair of the Ministry of Justice's Retail Crime Advisory Group Sunny Kaushal told Mike Hosking retailers are concerned. 

He says similar policies have already failed in America and the UK, where gangs of shoplifters exploit them to make illegal gains without consequences.  

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