ACT Police crackdown sees 40 arrests over retail thefts
A police blitz on shoplifting and violence in Canberra shopping centres has netted dozens of arrests — including a teen accused of stealing $21,000 worth of alcohol.
More than 40 people have been arrested across Canberra after ACT Policing launched a month-long crackdown on shoplifting, assaults and anti-social behaviour in shopping centres.
The October campaign, dubbed Operation RETAIL, saw officers ramp up patrols in major shopping hubs across the ACT, responding to more than 500 retail crime incidents in just four weeks.
Police said the operation led to the arrest of 42 people and more than 50 proactive patrols in retail precincts across the capital.
Among those caught was a 14-year-old boy accused of stealing more than $21,000 worth of alcohol from liquor stores across Canberra.
A 32-year-old Wanniassa man was also charged after allegedly stealing $3000 worth of products from local retailers, while a 16-year-old girl was arrested after she allegedly threatened a department store worker with a knife.
Police said 23 per cent of offenders were repeat criminals, with officers laying twice as many charges on 80 per cent of suspects compared to the previous month.
“The success of Operation RETAIL shows what’s possible when police and retailers work together,” said Nick McDonnell, Senior Director of Trust and Safety at Auror.
“The top 10 per cent of offenders are responsible for more than 60 per cent of retail crime.
“By focusing on those prolific offenders, police can make an outsizes impact and keep stores safe.”
Woolworths NSW/ACT State Director of Operations Matthew Spiteri said the operation helped stop more than 400 theft attempts and recover over $20,000 in stolen goods from stores.
“This kind of visible, targeted policing is exactly what’s needed to tackle retail crime in the ACT,” Mr Spiteri said.
“A violent offender already subject to a Workplace Protection Order was charged and remanded — a big win for team safety.”
Shop workers’ union SDA NSW/ACT Secretary Bernie Smith said high-visibility policing was making a real difference for retail staff.
“High-visibility policing — ‘cops in shops’ — sends a strong message that violence and intimidation won’t be tolerated anywhere,” Mr Smith said.
“Ten per cent of offenders commit 60 per cent of offences in retail and fast food, so focused operations like this matter.”
ACT Policing said retail theft and anti-social behaviour remain ongoing challenges but promised to maintain its intelligence-led policing strategy to keep Canberra’s shopping centres safe.
“By maintaining visibility, working collaboratively, and using data-driven policing, we can continue to protect our community, support businesses, and build a safer Canberra,” a police spokesperson said.
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Originally published as ACT Police crackdown sees 40 arrests over retail thefts
