File photo.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

An Auckland man accused of stealing $2,000 worth of merchandise from a toy store and threatening supermarket staff with a knife is facing 17 charges.

Charges against the 22-year-old include shoplifting, aggravated assault and threatening to kill.

He was charged alongside a 36-year-old woman who also faces nearly a dozen shoplifting charges.

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

The pair are also believed to have taken $2,000 worth of merchandise from a Sylvia Park toy store in September.

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

“Some of the violent behavior that we will allege was directed at people who were just doing their jobs (and) was totally unacceptable and cause for concern.”

Riddle said the incident at the supermarket happened on Monday last week.

“On that Monday evening, the pair were trying to leave the supermarket when staff challenged the pair to return the items.

“The man allegedly returned to their vehicle, produced what was believed to be a knife and threatened supermarket staff.”

The man will reappear in Manukau Magistrates’ Court later this week.

The woman will reappear next month.