Police uncover organised thefts during country shoplifting blitz

Detailed summary

Police say there is evidence of organisation behind retail theft in Shepparton, where an operation targeting repeat offenders has led to more than 200 arrests.

Victoria Police says 130 people have been arrested during a retail theft blitz in Shepparton's CBD.

One offender, a 42-year-old Mooroopna woman, was arrested 21 times during the operation for supermarket shoplifting.

A local business group has welcomed the police blitz but says more needs to be done to stop repeat offenders.

Police say an operation targeting retail theft in Shepparton has uncovered evidence of organised offending and led to more than 200 arrests.

Victoria Police launched Operation Securus in May, sending police on daily patrols through the town's shopping district to target repeat offenders after shoplifting rates reached a 10-year high.

Authorities have laid more than 800 charges, whilst also uncovering a level of "organisation" behind the ongoing offending.

"We're not seeing people stealing bread and milk to feed their families," Superintendent Anna Parkinson said.

Authorities said almost $50,000 worth of goods stolen from supermarkets, liquor stores and other shops had been returned during the operation.

Police arrested 130 people, of whom about 15 per cent were repeat offenders, including a 42-year-old Mooroopna woman who had been arrested 21 times.

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