A police operation targeting trolley theft in Rotorua has drawn fans and detractors

The aim of Operation Trolley was to stamp out antisocial behaviour by homeless people using trolleys in the CBD.

It saw 13 people arrested, 45 trolleys returned to stores and 19 trespass orders issued.

Mayor Tania Tapsell and Rotorua MP Todd McClay have praised the operation.

But Te Pati Maori Co-leader Rawiri Waititi whose Waiariki electorate also takes in Rotorua, says the operation is simply a direct attack by the Government on the most impoverished.

It's also earned condemnation from Iwi leader Rawiri Bhana.