ACT Policing and Canberra retailers targeted shoplifting this month.    

Police officers conducted plain clothes operations at several shopping precincts, working with Woolworths, Big W, Dan Murphy’s, and Coles.   

“Shoplifting is largely a crime of opportunity, and large retailers such as supermarkets often cannot keep an eye on all of their goods all of the time,” Detective Inspector Stephen Ladd, Officer in Charge of City Police Station, said.    

“This operation is a timely reminder to thieves that police can be anywhere, anytime. Shoplifting may seem like a harmless offence, but it is still a crime, and police will continue to target this type of offending.

“The cost of shoplifting adds to the cost of all retail goods. Police and retailers will continue to work together to address this crime type. Further operations [are] expected.”

On 7 June, police targeted shopping centres at Majura and Dickson. They arrested three people for theft, and charged one of these offenders for possessing a knife, and another for breaching a good behaviour order. Police also issued 12 cautions for theft offences.

On 14 June, the operation shifted to the Canberra Centre. Police arrested two people – one for theft, the other for breach of bail – and cautioned a further six people for theft.

While the individuals arrested/cautioned as part of this operation appear to be petty thieves, ACT Policing is aware of shoplifting groups that operate here, and is also actively targeting these groups, a spokesperson said.

Detective Inspector Ladd praised the collaboration of police and retailers. “[Their] strong working relationships … led to the success of this operation.”