A group of Australian schoolboys returned home in disgrace yesterday after being caught shoplifting $6000 worth of goods in Queenstown.
The boys, aged from 14 to 17, were on the last day of a trip to New Zealand with a Melbourne single-sex Catholic school when they were caught stealing from seven stores in the town's CBD.
Police said the shoplifting spree happened between 2pm and 6pm, and affected seven stores.
R&R Sport sales assistant Kate Long told the Otago Daily Times shop staff became suspicious and questioned the group after they took ski garments into the changing rooms.
Some of the boys ran off when challenged, but were quickly found waiting for a bus with teachers.
A search of the bags by teachers and Ms Long uncovered a variety of stolen garments and souvenirs - many damaged from where security tags had been ripped off.
Ms Long said the teachers were helpful, paying for the damaged garments immediately and making the boys, some of whom were in tears, call their parents.
NZPA