Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Police say they believe the same person is responsible for a string of shoplifting crimes across Auckland.
A 36-year-old man faces 26 separate theft and shoplifting charges after being arrested at an address in Ōtara.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant James Mapp says the majority of the thefts were from grocery shops, pharmacies and petrol stations in Counties Manukau.
There was similar method of offending and description of the person allegedly responsible, he said.
"We are continuing to focus our efforts on targeting those who are the most prolific in offending against retailers," Mapp said.
"Police have been actively patrolling known retail crime hotspots , and will continue to work alongside our partners and retailers to prevent further offending and hold any offenders to account."
The man has since been trespassed from 17 places and remanded in custody.