An Auckland man and woman face nearly 30 charges after what police call a “string of violent shopliftings” in recent months — including a toy store and a supermarket.
Senior sergeant MJ Riddle, of Counties Manukau South police, said the pair were arrested at their Papakura home last week.
“Some of the violent behaviour we will allege was directed towards people who were just doing their jobs was totally unacceptable and cause for concern.”
The 22-year-old man faced 17 charges in total, which included serious charges over a violent shoplifting at a toy store in Sylvia Park on September 29.
“He has been charged with shoplifting and two counts of aggravated assault,” said police.
The 36-year-old woman was charged with shoplifting in the same incident, where police said the pair stole nearly $2000 worth of items.
Charges also stemmed from the most recent incident at a Roselands supermarket on November 11.
In this incident, police said the pair were attempting to walk out of the supermarket when staff asked the pair to return their items.
“The man allegedly went back into their vehicle, producing what was believed to be a knife and made threats towards supermarket staff.”
The man has been charged with threatening to kill and assault with intent to intimidate.
“Police have also laid a further 10 shoplifting charges against the man, while the woman faces a further eight charges.”
Police opposed the pair’s bail. The 22-year-old man was remanded in custody until his next appearance in the Manukau District Court later this week and the woman would reappear in court next month.
Riddle said the arrests wwere a “great outcome” for the community, after officers were able to take the pair into custody without incident last week.
“Police will continue to take every opportunity to identify and prosecute those who are engaged in this offending.”
