By Maddison Howell
A POLICE crackdown on retail crime across Greater Shepparton has resulted in almost 200 arrests, 821 charges and the recovery of nearly $49,000 worth of stolen goods.
Operation Securus, launched in May, has targeted shoplifting and repeat offenders, particularly those using aggression and intimidation against retail workers.
Since its introduction, 130 alleged offenders have been arrested almost 200 times collectively, with $48,840 worth of stolen property recovered, the majority of which has been returned.
More than 20 alleged repeat offenders have been identified, with 17 individuals accounting for 67 arrests between them.
LOCAL CRACKDOWN… Police are reporting positive results from a major crackdown on retail crime across Greater Shepparton. Pictured: Inspector Anna Parkinson. Photo: Aaron Cordy
The most prolific alleged offender is a 41-year-old Mooroopna woman who has been arrested 18 times. She was arrested again in October and remanded in custody.
Inspector Anna Parkinson said police had identified a significant increase in retail crime late last year and into 2026, alongside growing concerns about violence against workers.
“We also noticed the increase in the use of violence by offenders which was impacting retail workers and that’s not acceptable,” she said.
Inspector Parkinson said the operation provided dedicated police resources beyond regular patrols, with officers focused specifically on retail crime.
“Their sole role is to deal with retail crime in the Greater Shepparton area,” she said.
The latest crime data shows retail theft increased by almost 48 per cent across Greater Shepparton in the year ending June 2026, with more than three-quarters of offences occurring within the CBD.
However, Inspector Parkinson said the operation was already delivering results.
“The operation has been highly successful and we are now seeing a reduction in reported retail crime,” she said.
She said local retailers had also been supportive of police efforts, with regular engagement helping officers understand the challenges facing businesses.
Operation Securus will continue, with uniformed police maintaining a highly visible presence across the CBD and retail precincts until offending has significantly reduced.
