Police have made over a dozen arrests after another operation targeting the Geelong CBD.
Local officers say they ‘flooded’ Geelong’s major shopping centres and public transport hubs this week, including both uniform and plain clothed police, targeting thefts and ant-social behaviour.
The operation comes amid a 38 per cent rise in thefts and people stealing from retail outlets across the city.
Retail theft has increased by 34 percent across the state, with essential items including food, alcohol and groceries targeted by offenders.
During the operation, police arrested and charged 14 people for alleged shop theft and one person for disorderly conduct.
Among those arrested were a 39-year-old Newtown man and 36-year-old Belmont woman following a series of alleged thefts from stores in Belmont and Geelong.
“Shop theft is far from a victimless crime – this has serious impacts on local businesses and residents in our community,” Geelong Acting Local Area Commander, Nicholas Uebergang said.
“These actions come with serious consequences, and we will continue to target those responsible.
“We will keep running operations targeting shop thieves, working closely with local retailers and the community to prevent crime and keep Geelong safe.”
Anyone with information around retail theft or anti-social behaviour is urged to contact local police, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
