More than 50 charges laid in first week of retail theft operation in Shepparton

A new retail theft team in Shepparton has nabbed six people in as many days, with more than 50 charges laid against alleged prolific thieves accused of stealing $25,000 worth of items.

Operation Securus was launched just over a week ago to target repeat and aggressive shoplifters in the area.

Those causing the most harm by threatening and intimidating retail workers are in the sights of the dedicated team.

Six people have been arrested and charged so far, including:

• A 36-year-old Mooroopna man who is accused of stealing $15,200 worth of electrical equipment, grocery items, alcohol and clothing was arrested by police and charged with burglary, two counts of shop steal, five counts of commit indictable offence whilst on bail, and trespassing. He was remanded to appear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on 25 June.

• A 41-year-old woman from Mooroopna who allegedly threatened a staff member after stealing from a supermarket on McLennan Street was arrested at the Mooroopna Railway Station. She has been charged with theft, threaten/assault staff worker, and commit indictable offence whilst on bail. She was refused bail and appeared in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Friday 22 May, where she was sentenced to a 12-month Community Corrections Order.

• A 32-year-old man from Shepparton who was wanted over multiple outstanding alleged offences is accused of stealing more than $5,000 worth of alcohol and groceries. He was charged with nine counts of criminal damage, five counts of commit indictable offence whilst on bail, and four counts of contravene conditions of bail. He was bailed to reappear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on 15 June.

• A 25-year-old man from Shepparton who allegedly assaulted a staff member at a store after stealing items was spotted by an off-duty officer, allegedly in possession of stolen goods. He was arrested charged with ten offences, including two counts of assault retail staff, and several counts of theft. He was remanded to appear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court today.

• A 32-year-old man from Mooroopna who was arrested over an alleged theft at a store on High Street earlier this month where he stole a set of screwdrivers. When he was confronted by staff, it will be alleged he threatened them before fleeing. He has since been charged with theft and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail. The man was bailed to appear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on 3 July.

• A 35-year-old Shepparton man who is accused of stealing $2,700 worth of clothing and alcohol was arrested and charged with a dozen offences including five counts of theft and one count each of handling stolen goods and dealing with property suspected proceeds of crime. He was granted bail and is due to appear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on 30 October.

Police will continue to work with retailers to identify recidivist thieves, with the recent Retail Forum being held in Shepparton.

Police intelligence shows repeat offenders have committed more than 70 per cent of all retail thefts in Shepparton this year.

It also shows more offenders are using intimidation and aggression towards retail staff to get away with their crimes.

The continued focus comes as retail theft last year reached decade highs in the Shepparton local government area – with 799 offences recorded in 2025.

Anyone with information about shoplifters or thieves in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Divisional Commander for Shepparton Police Acting Superintendent Anna Parkinson:

“Operation Securus has wasted no time in detecting and holding to account some of our most prolific retail thieves – and this is only just the beginning.

“Retail thieves are not only hurting businesses but other shoppers as well, often resulting in higher prices at the checkout.

“Not only are we targeting repeat shoplifters in this operation, we also have our sights set on those who intimidate retail staff in an attempt to get away with their crimes.

“Threatening staff – whether that’s physically or verbally – is never okay, and we will hold you to account.”

Media Unit
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