POLICE have arrested 35 people and seized more than $2,000 worth of allegedly stolen goods during an operation targeting retail theft and anti-social behaviour in Shepparton.
Operation Mosaic has led to more than 175 arrests for retail crime since it launched in July 2024 in response to rising retail thefts and ongoing concerns from local traders.
The recent blitz, conducted on April 7 and 8, saw more than a dozen police saturate shopping strips in Shepparton and Kialla. Thirty-two people were arrested for shop theft, including:
A 33-year-old Mooroopna man who was caught allegedly stealing more than $750 worth of groceries including meat, soft drinks and confectionary. He is expected to be charged on summons with shop theft.
A 42-year-old Mooroopna woman who was caught allegedly stealing more than $150 worth of cosmetics. Police say most goods were multiples of the same product. She is expected to be charged on summons with shop theft.
A 53-year-old Shepparton man who was caught allegedly stealing $200 worth of baby formula products. He was charged with shop theft and possessing drugs.
Twenty-nine other alleged thieves were either charged, released pending summons, or issued with a formal caution. Only three accepted referrals to local support services.
Three further people were arrested and charged for drug possession and breaching bail conditions.
During the operation, police patrolled nearby roadways and issued 21 traffic infringement notices for offences including not wearing a helmet and riding e-scooters on the footpath. Police also executed five outstanding warrants.
Retail theft remains a key focus for Shepparton police, with the offence more than doubling in the last year.
Greater Shepparton saw 799 offences in 2025, compared to 485 in 2024.
Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Hamilton from Shepparton Police said police believe many of the stolen items were stolen for profit.
“What we saw over the last few days was not just petty thefts, but people stealing large amounts of goods including baby formula, clothing and cosmetics. We believe many of these goods were stolen to be on-sold for profit.
“This type of offending is often blatant, and we know that makes retail staff feel unsafe. That’s why we’re so committed to targeting retail crime – because everyone deserves to feel safe at work.
“We’re working hard to address the issue and will have more to say about a new approach in coming weeks,” Acting Senior Sergeant Hamilton said.
