Alleged shoplifter with 39 warrants for his arrest caught

An alleged prolific shoplifter with at least 39 warrants for his arrest has been caught and is facing theft and firearms charges.

Sergeant Phil Moody said the 34-year-old man was arrested late last week in Papakura.

He is next due to appear in the Papakura District Court on Thursday on 12 shoplifting charges.

The 34-year-old also faces a charge of presenting a firearm at a person during an alleged incident at a supermarket in Highland Park on January 6.

"The man had been causing great harm to our community throughout the year, and had at least 39 warrants for his arrest," Moody said.

"This man was also being sought by the national retail investigation support unit."

At his initial court appearance he was remanded into custody.

Moody said a 37-year-old woman has been summonsed to court on two counts of shoplifting where she has been jointly charged with the man.

She is expected to appear in the Papakura District Court on January 4 next year.

"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," Moody said.