- Published:
- Friday 5 June 2026 at 3:33 pm
Operation Stand officers continue to deliver as they crack down on recidivist and aggressive retail thieves in the Melbourne CBD and Yarra PSA.
Their latest catch is a 38-year-old Footscray man who is alleged to have stolen over $30,000 worth of goods from supermarkets, department stores and other retail outlets between October 2025 and May 2026.
Good allegedly stolen include vitamins, medicines, sanitary goods, perfumes/fragrances, baby formula and luxury handbags.
It is believe that the goods were then on-sold to a third party buyer.
The man was arrested in Carnegie on 4 June and has been charged with 44 counts of shop steal.
He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 December.
Operation Stand was launched in July 2024 and has a dedicated team of police engaging daily with retailers to identity thieves and hold them to account.
Since it’s launch, the team has made more than 230 arrests and laid 1335 charges.
Quotes attributable to Operation Stand Acting Sergeant Brendan Mason:
“Operation Stand remains committed to holding to account prolific and aggressive retail thieves.
“Anyone thinking of coming into the city to steal for profit should know it won’t be long until we’re knocking on your door.”
Leading Senior Constable Adam West
Media Officer
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