A man who allegedly presented a fake pistol inside a store at Lynn Mall before stealing a hoodie is now in custody.

At about 7pm, Police received a call from security staff at the New Lynn shopping centre who reported a male had allegedly told staff he wasn’t shoplifting but did have a weapon.

Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Nick Salter, says the alleged offender then lifted his top to reveal the handle of what was reported to be a pistol sitting in his waist band.