Cost of living crisis blamed as shoplifting reaches new record highs

The cost of living crunch has been blamed for a huge spike in shoplifting across Melbourne, as police crack down on two main offending groups.

Shoplifting rates have soared to record highs due to the cost of living crunch with two main offending groups responsible for the majority of thefts across the city.

Authorities are cracking down on organised criminals and are working with those doing it tough after they were identified as the groups doing most of the damage.

Retail theft has risen to its highest recorded amount after it climbed another 30 per cent over the past 12 months.

Almost 50 per cent of shoplifters are committing the crime for the first time as the soaring cost of groceries impacts more Victorians than ever.

South Melbourne recorded its highest amount of thefts over the past decade and Port Melbourne has been hit almost as badly.

Police are conducting a series of targeted stings along Bay and Clarendon streets as they hone in on the offenders causing the most financial destruction.

One woman was arrested at Bay St on Tuesday.

Seven offenders who stole goods from the Bay St Coles in Port Melbourne were taken into custody all before noon on Tuesday.

And while many of those were nabbed stealing household items and groceries in their bags, alcohol and clothing continue to be brazenly stolen from stores across the state each day.

The Salvation Army have begun providing grocery packs to those doing it tough who may find themselves in the back of a police divisional van.

“Victoria and South Melbourne Police are saying there are people committing shop theft simply to survive,” Major Brendan Nottle said.

“South Melbourne police are reporting a 48 per cent increase in shop theft in this area and it’s often driven by people simply not being able to make ends meet.

“To survive, they simply have to resort to crime.”

She was taken to a nearby police station.

Victoria Police Acting Sergeant Jade Urand said the two “vastly different” type of offenders were causing local retailers a lot of financial pain.

She said the organised crews would operate in “small to medium sized groups” of up to six people who would work together to steal huge amounts of stock.

“They use tactics such as distracting staff, removing electronic security tags to steal as much as possible while avoiding attention,” she said.

“It’s these people we have no tolerance for.”

The Herald Sun this month revealed thieves are stealing huge amounts of stock before selling them to dodgy tobacconists, grocers and restaurants.

Red meat is commonly stolen while bags of frozen prawns have emerged as a target for crooks in recent weeks.