Man accused of swiping $6,500 in tools from hardware store

A MAN accused of swiping over $5,000 worth of power tools from a Wagga hardware store before allegedly stealing two trolley loads of groceries from a local supermarket has been arrested.

The man was arrested following an ongoing police investigation into the alleged thefts, which police say involved almost $6,500 worth of power tools and goods from a hardware store, and almost $900 worth of groceries.

Police allege the power tools were pinched during two separate incidents, both of which were allegedly caught on CCTV, while the groceries were allegedly taken during two separate supermarket visits.

Following extensive inquiries, the suspect was identified and arrested on Tuesday, August 4.

He was charged in relation to the offences and refused police bail.