ACT Policing has arrested 149 people for shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in and around Canberra between January and May as part of an operation targeting retail crime.
Among those arrested were a man charged with dozens of alcohol thefts, another man caught with a knife after stealing items from a store and a teenager on bail.
"Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour at shops continues to be a concern for police, retailers, their staff and the wider community," police said.
A 46-year-old man was arrested and charged for allegedly stealing alcohol on 12 separate occasions in Wright and Greenway in January. He was arrested again the following day for breaching bail conditions and was charged with a further 15 alcohol thefts in Wright, Greenway and Belconnen.
In April, police patrolling in Westfield Belconnen were alerted to a shoplifter who had verbally abused staff before he left the store.
Police located him at a nearby bus stop and a search of his belongings revealed a knife.
The following month, a retail employee was assaulted when she confronted a group of youths who were stealing items.
Police arrested three teenagers including a 15-year-old girl, who was subject to bail conditions, charged with assault, police said.
ACT Policing said it is working closely with retailers to deter anti-social behaviour, reduce theft, and improve safety for the public and staff.
If you see someone you suspect is shoplifting, please consider your personal safety before confronting anyone. Incidents can be reported to staff, centre security or by providing information to Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.
