Police arrested seven people during a weekend operation targeting retail theft in Shepparton’s CBD.
Some of the items allegedly stolen included an electric fireplace, power tools and groceries, including scotch fillet steaks and chicken.
Thefts from retail stores across the state have increased by 34 per cent over the past year, with items such as food, alcohol and groceries being targeted.
Police said the trend had likely been influenced by inflation, cost-of-living pressures and high interest rates.
Shepparton has seen an 18 per cent increase in retail store thefts over the past year.
Up to half of the offenders were first-time shoplifters, while a quarter were first-time criminal offenders, police said.
During the operation, police worked with plain-clothed loss prevention officers from retail stores who were on the lookout for anyone looking to steal.
Senior Sergeant Shane Biderman said shoplifting was “felt deeply both by businesses and the community”.
“People might believe shoplifting is a victimless crime, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” he said.
“Shepparton isn’t immune to the rising trend of retail thefts across the state, which we know is partly attributed to cost-of-living pressures.
“To anyone considering stealing from our local stores, remember that it is a crime with real consequences.
“This is a community issue, and we will continue to run operations like this alongside local retailers to deter potential offenders and enhance public safety.”
Key results from the operation included:
- Seven people arrested for a range of alleged offences, including shop theft, drug possession and outstanding warrants.
- Ten infringement notices for alleged traffic offences, including impaired driving and driving while unregistered or unlicensed.
Some of the arrests included:
- A 32-year-old Shepparton woman, who was already wanted on warrant, who allegedly stole $337 worth of items from a hardware store, including an electric fireplace and an LED light kit. During the arrest, police also allegedly located methamphetamine and prescription medication. She was charged with stealing from a shop, theft, robbery and contravening an intervention order, and was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
- A 42-year-old Shepparton woman, who allegedly stole power tools worth $298 from a hardware store. She was charged with theft and released to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
- A 30-year-old Shepparton man, who was already wanted on warrant, who allegedly stole groceries, including scotch fillets, worth $184. He was charged with possessing proceeds of crime, handling stolen goods and riding without a helmet. He was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
- A 70-year-old Shepparton woman, who allegedly stole $344 worth of items from a hardware store, including storage baskets, shelving units, nail sets and hammers. She was charged with theft and released pending summons.
- A 40-year-old Shepparton man, who allegedly stole $90 worth of items from a hardware store, including various industrial supplies. He received a caution and was released.
- A 69-year-old Shepparton man, who allegedly stole $560 worth of items from a hardware store, including copper piping and tools. He received a caution and was released.
Police were also on the lookout across the road network, and caught several drivers doing the wrong thing:
- A 58-year-old Shepparton man was stopped and returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.055. He received an infringement notice, including his licence being cancelled and disqualified for three months.
- Three people were caught using their phone while driving.
- Three drivers didn’t have a current registration.
- One unaccompanied learner driver was stopped without a licence.
Watch some of the footage of the arrests below.
Anyone with more information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au