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A man’s refusal to scan the Covid-19 tracer app at Pak ‘n’ Save, Silverdale, escalated into threats with an axe, and a security guard using force to avoid injury.
The altercation between the male shopper and the security guard took place on Saturday, October 2.
Shoppers describe feeling shocked as they saw a man with an axe taken down by a security guard in the supermarket carpark around midday.
Police were called but it was all over by the time they got there.
Waitemata North Police Senior Sergeant Steve Pivac says the security guard had asked the man to sign in using the Covid-19 tracer app but he failed to do so.
The matter escalated and eventually the security guard was threatened with an axe in the carpark, Snr Sgt Pivac says.
“The security guard was required to use force against the man, who suffered minor injuries,” he says.
He says when Police arrived both parties were cooperative and remorseful.
The man with the axe was issued with a warning.
Foodstuffs corporate affairs head, Antoinette Laird, says the security guard was in immediate danger, and acted quickly to avoid serious injury to himself and customers. Security staff at the store, contracted from a professional security firm, are fully trained to de-escalate violent situations.
Laird says since Delta arrived, Foodstuffs stores have seen an increase in verbal threats, abuse and violence towards staff.
“Our teams are working incredibly hard under the current restrictions and we have no tolerance for any abuse or violence in the workplace,” Laird says. “In all cases of unacceptable behaviour, Police will be called and a trespass order may be issued.
The safety of our customers and teams is a top priority.”
