Police have an alleged prolific shoplifter in the bag after a string of offences across Counties Manukau, including one incident involving a firearm.
The 34-year-old man will face court this week on 12 shoplifting charges.
He also faces a charge of presenting a firearm at a person during an alleged incident at a Highland Park supermarket on 6 January 2023.
Locating the man was a top priority for Sergeant Phill Moody's team in Counties Manukau South.
"The man had been causing great harm to our community throughout the year, and had at least 39 warrants for his arrest," Sergeant Moody says.
"This man was also being sought by the National Retail Investigation Support Unit."
A warrant was executed at a Papakura address late last week, and the man was arrested by Police. He was remanded into custody at his initial court appearance for these recent charges.
The 34-year-old male is next due to appear in the Papakura District Court on 14 December.
Police have also summonsed a 37-year-old woman to court on with two counts of shoplifting where she has been jointly charged with the man. She is expected in the Papakura District Court on 4 January 2024.
"We have no tolerance for this offending being committed in our communities, and we will continue to target and hold offenders to account for their actions," Sergeant Moody says.
