Shepparton police arrested 35 people during a police operation on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thirty-five people were arrested and more than $2000 worth of allegedly stolen goods seized during an operation targeting retail theft and anti-social behaviour in Shepparton. this week.
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The blitz on Tuesday, April 7, and Wednesday, April 8, saw more than a dozen police saturate shopping strips in Shepparton and Kialla as part of Operation Mosaic.
As part of the operation, 32 people were arrested for shop theft.
Police making an arrest during the operation.
These included a 33-year-old Mooroopna man who was caught allegedly stealing more than $750 worth of groceries including meat, soft drinks and confectionery.
A 42-year-old Mooroopna woman was also caught allegedly stealing more than $150 worth of cosmetics – with the majority of goods being multiples of the same products.
A 53-year-old Shepparton was also among those caught, allegedly stealing $200 worth of baby formula products.
He was charged with shop theft and possessing drugs.
Twenty-nine other alleged thieves were either charged, released pending summons or issued with a formal caution.
Only three accepted referrals to local support services.
Three further people were arrested and charged for drug possession and breaching bail conditions, police said.
Police were out in force targeting retail theft in a two-day operation.
During the operation, police patrolled nearby roadways and issued 21 fines for offences including not wearing a helmet and riding on e-scooters on the footpath.
Police also executed five outstanding warrants.
Operation Mosaic was launched in July 2024 in response to rising retail thefts and ongoing concerns from local traders, and since then, has led to more than 175 arrests for retail crime.
Retail theft remains a key focus for Shepparton police, with the offence more than doubling in the past year.
Greater Shepparton saw 799 offences in 2025, compared to 485 in 2024.
Police are continuing to work with retailers to address the issue.
Shepparton police Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Hamilton said local police were working hard to address retail theft.
“What we saw over the last few days was not just petty thefts, but people stealing large amounts of goods including baby formula, clothing and cosmetics,” he said.
“We believe many of these goods were stolen to be on-sold for profit.
“This type of offending is often blatant, and we know that makes retail staff feel unsafe.
“That’s why we’re so committed to targeting retail crime — because everyone deserves to feel safe at work.”
