A supermarket worker on Auckland’s North Shore was allegedly assaulted while trying to stop a man carrying a knife who did not pay for bags of shopping.

Police said they were notified about 6.30pm on Thursday of a man who had allegedly attempted to leave the Albany store while concealing a number of items in bags.

Waitematā East acting area prevention manager, acting Inspector CJ Miles, said the staff member approached the man to advise him that he had failed to pay for the groceries.

“The staff member grabbed the bags, however, the alleged offender punched the victim before presenting what appeared to be a knife and leaving the area,” Miles said.

He said police responded with urgency and the man was quickly taken into custody.

Miles said the items were then recovered and returned to the store.

Waitematā East Area Commander, Inspector Aron McKeown, said police take matters like this “extremely seriously”.

“This arrest highlights police’s commitment to target and hold these offenders to account,” McKeown said.

A 42-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in North Shore District Court on Monday, charged with shoplifting, possession of an offensive weapon and aggravated assault.

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