ACT Policing has been conducting discreet operations targeting shoplifting across Canberra, with the last three operations resulting in the apprehension of 37 offenders.
Officers from Woden and Tuggeranong Police Stations and Community Safety Teams have been working with loss prevention officers at Woden, Gungahlin and Belconnen to identify and apprehend these offenders, with the most recent operation held at Woden on Friday (7 July).
Superintendent of South District Scott Moller said theft is a major issue for Canberra retailers and ACT Policing will continue to work with businesses and security to apprehend those responsible.
“With school holidays, we see increased traffic through shopping centres. Shoplifters often use these busy times to mask their activity,” said Superintendent Moller.
“The majority of those apprehended have now been banned from the shopping centre for up to 12 months, and may also face a criminal charge for theft.”
“Many of those caught shoplifting are employed and have the means to pay for the items stolen, but choose not to. These operations will be continuing, so I ask those people to consider how a criminal charge would affect your employment.”
During the 2016-17 financial year, 1272 people were apprehended by ACT Policing for theft from a retail premises.
ACT Policing provides a free service to local businesses, offering information on how to protect your business from crime. To speak to one of our ACT Policing Business Liaison Officers, contact (02) 6256 7777.
If you have any information in relation to people shoplifting in your area, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the ACT Crime Stoppers website. Information can be provided anonymously.
One local Gungahlin small business owner who has been affected by shoplifting told us. “When you steal from a small business you are taking money from the owner of that business and their staff. Money that is used to pay wages so we can keep providing you with the services you came in for in the first place. That money is certainly not being used to buy a yacht or holiday house for a CEO. That money is used to support local jobs and the local economy.”
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