Police have charged 11 people as part of a retail theft crackdown across the Newcastle area.
Officers launched an investigation between March and July following several incidents, predominantly at liquor stores.
Following investigations, between Wednesday, July 15, and Friday, July 17, officers arrested 11 people.
They were charged with several offences including shoplifting, affray, and possession of goods suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained.
A further six youths were arrested and dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
About 2.45pm on Wednesday, officers were patrolling the intersection of Tooke Street and Brooks Street at Cooks Hill when they identified a 55-year-old man with multiple outstanding warrants.
Upon approach, the 55-year-old allegedly attempted to flee from police on a bicycle before he was arrested shortly after.
Police searched the man and located and seized multiple alcohol bottles.
He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen.
He was also charged with four outstanding warrants relating to shoplifting and driving offences.
He was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court next week.
Separately, about 7.30am on Friday, a 15-year-old girl attended Waratah Police Station, where she was arrested.
She was charged with 12 counts of shoplifting, a fraud offence, and being an unaccompanied minor in a restricted area. She was granted conditional bail to appear before a children's court in August.
Investigations continue.
