Securus was designed to target repeat and aggressive shoplifters in the Shepparton area.
The dedicated team has its sights set on thieves and would-be thieves causing the most harm by threatening and intimidating retail staff.
“Retail thieves are not only hurting businesses but other shoppers as well, often resulting in higher prices at the checkout,” Divisional Commander for Shepparton police Acting Superintendent Anna Parkinson said.
The six arrests made include:
- A 36-year-old Mooroopna man accused of stealing $15,200 of electrical equipment, grocery items, alcohol and clothing. He was charged with burglary, two counts of shop stealing, five counts of committing an indictable offence while on bail, and trespassing. He was remanded to appear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court in June.
- A 41-year-old Mooroopna woman who allegedly threatened a staff member after stealing from a Mooroopna supermarket on McLennan St. The woman was arrested at the Mooroopna Railway Station and charged with theft, threatening/assaulting staff worker, and committing an indictable offence while on bail. She was refused bail. She was sentenced to a 12-month Community Corrections Order in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on May 22.
- A 25-year-old Shepparton man who allegedly assaulted a staff member at a store after stealing items was seen with the allegedly stolen goods by an off-duty officer. He has been charged with 10 offences, including two counts of assaulting retail staff, and several counts of theft. He was remanded to appear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court this week.
- A 32-year-old Mooroopna man for an alleged theft of a screwdriver set at a High St store earlier in May. He allegedly threatened staff who confronted him before fleeing. The man has since been charged with theft and committing an indictable offence while on bail. He was bailed to appear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on July 3.
- A 35-year-old Shepparton man accused of stealing $2700 of clothing and alcohol, who has been charged with 12 offences, including five counts of theft and one count each of handling stolen goods and dealing with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime. He was bailed to appear in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court in October.
Police will continue to work with retailers to identify recidivist thieves after a recent retail forum in Shepparton.
“Not only are we targeting repeat shoplifters in this operation, we also have our sights set on those who intimidate retail staff in an attempt to get away with their crimes,” Acting Supt Parkinson said.
“Threatening staff — whether that’s physically or verbally — is never okay, and we will hold you to account.”
Police intelligence shows repeat offenders have committed more than 70 per cent of all retail thefts in Shepparton this year, and that intimidation tactics and aggression towards workers are on the rise.
The continued focus comes as retail theft last year reached decade highs in the Greater Shepparton local government area — with 799 offences recorded in 2025.
Anyone with information about shoplifters or thieves in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersvic.com.au.
