BRUNSWICK, VIC. — An alleged prolific shop thief wanted for 25 thefts from retail stores over the last 12 months was among several arrested as part of a targeted operation in Brunswick.
Police from the Merri-bek area regularly run Operation Midday, which sees a coordinated approach from police, Loss Prevention Officers and security to target those stealing from local stores and prevent crime.
Last week, the four-day effort focused on the Brunswick area and led to:
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- 10 people arrested for theft, obtaining financial advantage by deception and drug possession;
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- 20 outstanding warrants cleared and
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- Six whereabouts cleared.
Police working the operation were alerted to a man allegedly stealing from a supermarket in Barkly Square on Thursday, April 14.
The man, a 44-year-old from Caulfield, was arrested and subsequently charged with over 20 shop thefts alleged to have occurred over the last 12 months. He was remanded in custody to appear at court on May 22.
Part of the operation’s focus is to deter people from shoplifting and assist in finding longer-term solutions so the behaviour isn’t repeated.
Two people were offered referrals to support services for assistance with groceries to help curb the chances of reoffending.
Nearly 40 people have been arrested since the start of the year for shop thefts from supermarkets, liquor stores and department stores in Brunswick and Coburg.
Operation Midday has been running sporadically throughout the year across Merri-bek, focusing on disrupting and deterring retail theft.
Stealing from a retail store is the fifth most common offence in Merri-bek, with 762 offences recorded over the last year.
Among all the suburbs in Merri-bek, Brunswick (269) and Coburg (173) recorded the most retail theft offences.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
