Fifteen people have been arrested during an ongoing police operation to address public order and anti-social behaviour in Geelong.
Uniformed and plain-clothed police conducted the operation at the central business district’s shopping centres and public transport hubs during the week starting November 4.
Police arrested and charged 14 people for alleged shop theft and one person for disorderly conduct and issued seven cautions during the operation.
A Newtown man, 39, and Belmont woman, 36, were among those arrested following a series of alleged thefts from stores in Geelong and Belmont.
Police allege the pair stole food and valuables, totalling close to $580, with both charged and bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on December 12.
The operation targeted people looking to steal from retail stores, following a 38 per cent increase in Geelong retail store thefts over the past year.
Geelong Acting Local Area Commander Inspector Nicholas Uebergang said shop theft was “far from a victimless crime”.
“We will keep running operations targeting shop thieves, working closely with local retailers and the community to prevent crime and keep Geelong safe,” he said
“This has serious impacts on local businesses and residents in our community. These actions come with serious consequences, and we will continue to target those responsible.”
Anyone with information about retail theft or anti-social behaviour is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
