Two people have been arrested in relation to the thefts of dozens of barbecues from a Mitre 10 Mega store.

The brand-new barbecues were taken from a store in Flat Bush, south Auckland on Monday night.

It is understood the thieves may have used a truck and made multiple visits to the hardware store.

Counties Manukau Police said on Thursday a 31-year-old man had been arrested and charged with burglary.

A 59-year-old woman had been arrested and charged with receiving stolen property.

The pair both appeared in the Manukau District Court on Thursday.

Four of the stolen barbecues had been recovered, police said.

Police are asking the public to be vigilant of Weber and Everdure BBQs being offered for cheap or at discounted prices, particularly on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

Counties Manukau East area prevention manager Inspector Chris Barry previously said it was disappointing businesses were being targeted at a time when many were struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic, and when people’s jobs were at risk.

“We are determined to hold these offenders to account.”

The barbecue thefts come after 100 Jucy rental vehicles were stolen from a secure storage facility near Auckland Airport on Anzac Day.

The vehicles had been destined to help with restaurant deliveries for Covid-19 alert level 3.

Police confirmed 85 of the unmarked cars had been recovered, and 29 arrests had been made as of Monday.

Anyone with information on the stolen barbecues should phone the Counties Manukau Tactical Crime Unit on 105, quoting file number 200505/8672.

Information may be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.