A new retail theft team has arrested two dozen of Melbourne’s “most prolific” alleged retail thieves in a little over a month.
The operation, called STAND, launched in the Melbourne and Yarra council areas in July to target violent, aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards retail staff. It sees a dedicated team of police work daily with major and independent retailers to identify thieves who threaten safety and hold them to account.
The ongoing operation has already led to 24 thieves being arrested – eight of them arrested twice.
There have been 478 charges laid, and around $97,000 worth of stolen goods seized. This includes luxury perfumes, designer clothes and high-end skincare products.
Those arrested have allegedly stolen more than $200,000 worth of goods from CBD, Richmond and Collingwood stores this year alone. Stolen items are typically on-sold for profit.
“Retail theft might sound like a victimless crime, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” says Operation STAND Police Commander Superintendent Brett Kahan.
“Retail staff have long been dealing with intimidating, aggressive and violent behaviour and it was time we took a stand against it.
“Because of STAND, 24 prolific and allegedly violent retail thieves have been arrested and we have more closely in our sights.
“To the people who think they can steal and use intimidation tactics to get away with it, know that your time is up, and you will be held to account.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe at work, so we will continue to run this operation until that is the case.”
Online platform
As part of the operation, police have been using an online platform to engage regularly with 23 retailers who have multiple stores across the CBD.
The platform – designed to streamline communication – means retailers can notify STAND directly when a non-urgent incident occurs.
The notification instantly provides police with important information such as CCTV and descriptions of offenders.
Other work
On top of responding to incidents, the STAND says it team has proactively attended more than 58 stores to engage with retail staff and deter theft. This includes independent retailers who too are a priority of STAND.
Welcomed by retailers
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has applauded Victoria police’s efforts.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra says the recent outcome highlights the effective collaboration between the ARA and Victoria police to achieve safety outcomes for retail workers.
“Retail workers in Victoria are unfortunately experiencing increased incidents of retail violence. Victoria police has heard our concerns and acted swiftly to target these offenders. No one should have to go to work afraid for their safety. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many in the sector,” he says.
“We are now calling for Operation STAND to be expanded to other high-risk priority areas throughout Victoria following this recent success.”