Victoria police make more than 100 arrests in shoplifting crackdown
Posted December 8, 2023 6:39 pm.
Police in Victoria believe they’ve made things a little safer for people who work in the retail sector.
Officers say they arrested more than 100 people during an eight-day crackdown on chronic shop-lifters at various stores.
VicPD says “Project Lifter” was created in an effort to address concerns around the violence that frontline workers face on a daily basis, including the increased risk they face when there are attempts to intervene.
In addition to making 109 arrests, police also seized $29,000 in recovered property. Of those arrested, 21 had outstanding warrants.
“The results of this project are staggering, and clearly indicate that even though there has been a decline in shoplifting reports, retail theft continues to be a huge problem in our city,” said Chief Del Manak.
“VicPD is committed to continue addressing this problem, in partnership with our community, and helping people feel safer. A project like this takes considerable planning, coordination, and resources, and we encourage businesses to report retail theft so we can prioritize current resources, access additional funding, and continue taking action against chronic shoplifting and the violence related to retail theft.”
The operation was part of a three-year pilot that aims to address violent and repeat offending.
Police say the program looks to break the cyclical nature of these crimes by working with those arrested to provide information on access to housing, substance abuse, and other supports.
