Four teenagers have been arrested after allegedly attempting to steal nearly 700-dollars worth of chocolate from an east Auckland supermarket

Police were called to the store at Highland Park last night, after staff reported a group filling backpacks with chocolate and meat.

Inspector Rakana Cook says while taking the group into custody, one of them acted aggressively towards one of the staff and allegedly assaulted a member of the public.

He says another offender spat at an officer.

Three 16-year-olds - two girls and one boy - and a 13-year-old boy were arrested.