Operation Stand charge serial retail thief

Police from Operation Stand have charged an alleged retail thief with more than 20 offences after a series of shop thefts across Melbourne’s CBD in the last six weeks.

The 38-year-old was arrested during a search warrant at a North Melbourne address on Friday 20 June.

Investigators, with assistance from the Melbourne Crime Reduction Team, also seized more than $8,000 worth of allegedly stolen handbags and luxury perfumes.

It will be alleged the man committed a series of shop thefts between May and June this year and stole more than $30,000 worth of handbags, beauty products and luxury perfumes.

The North Melbourne man was on Friday charged with more than 20 offences including:

• 17 counts of shop theft;

• Possessing methylamphetamine;

• Possessing cannabis;

• Handling stolen goods; and

• Fail to answer bail.

The man remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 24 June.

Operation Stand is a dedicated team of police who work with CBD and Yarra retailers to identify thieves who use aggression, intimidation, and violence towards retail staff.

Since launching almost a year ago the team has made more than 130 arrests and laid more than 1100 charges.

Quotes attributable to Acting Sergeant Roland Stagg, Operation Stand:

“Retail theft is far from a victimless crime.

“We will continue to pursue serial thieves and hold them to account.”

Media Unit

139105