Man faces 17 charges after 'violent' shoplifting incidents

An Auckland man accused of stealing $2000 in goods from a toy store and threatening supermarket staff with a knife is facing 17 charges.

The charges laid against the 22-year-old man include shoplifting, aggravated assault and threatening to kill.

He has been charged alongside a 36-year-old woman, who also faces almost a dozen shoplifting charges.

Police said the pair were arrested at their Papakura home last week after a theft at a Roselands supermarket, during which staff were threatened with a knife.

It is also believed the pair took $2000 in merchandise from a Sylvia Park toy store in September.

Senior Sergeant MJ Riddle, of Counties Manukau South police, said violence was involved in both incidents.

"Some of the violent behaviour we will allege was directed towards people who were just doing their jobs (and) was totally unacceptable and cause for concern."

Riddle said the incident at the supermarket took place on Monday last week.

"On that Monday evening, the pair were attempting to walk out of the supermarket when staff challenging the pair to return the items.

"The man allegedly went back to their vehicle, producing what was believed to be a knife and made threats towards supermarket staff."

The man will reappear in the Manukau District Court later this week.

The woman will reappear next month.