Thieves targeted various retail outlets across the ACT with 512 incidents reported in October alone, according to ACT Policing. The month-long campaign Operation RETAIL was launched on October 1 to address anti-social behaviour and theft within Canberra's shopping precincts.
Throughout October, officers responded to 515 incidents at stores across the territory, including 14 burglaries, 18 assaults and more than 250 thefts. Police arrested 42 people for various offences committed at shops and conducted more than 50 proactive patrols at retail precincts.
Among those caught was a 14-year-old boy charged with multiple counts of theft after allegedly stealing more than $21,000 worth of alcohol from various liquor stores. A 32-year-old Wanniassa man was charged after allegedly stealing more than $3000 worth of products from retail outlets. A 16-year-old girl who allegedly threatened a retail staff member with a knife at a department store was also arrested.
A number of recidivist offenders have been charged, with ACT Policing having laid twice as many charges on 80 per cent of offenders, of which 23 per cent were repeat offenders. An ACT Policing spokesperson said: 'Retail theft and anti-social behaviour remain continuing challenges, but by maintaining visibility, working collaboratively, and applying intelligence-led policing, we can continue to protect our community, support our business sector, and build a safer Canberra.'
Operation RETAIL was developed in consultation with retail managers, security providers and external agencies. It focused on deterring anti-social behaviour, reducing retail theft, enhancing public perceptions of safety and improving business safety and security.
