Melbourne West Bicycle Patrol Unit officers have charged a man with hundreds of shop steal offences.
Officers responded to reports of an intoxicated man allegedly assaulting people in the vicinity of QV on Swanston Street about midday on Wednesday, 2 July.
Upon police arrival a man attempted to flee the scene but was arrested after a short foot pursuit.
Police then became aware the man had been involved in the alleged theft of alcohol from a bottle shop near Southern Cross Railway Station in the lead up to the incident.
It will be alleged the 24-year-old Footscray man had been linked to alleged thefts from 21 different bottle shops throughout the Melbourne CBD in the past year
In some instances, police have been told the same bottle shop was targeted multiple times in the same day.
It is estimated more than $30,000 worth of alcohol was stolen in these incidents.
The 24-year-old has subsequently been charged with recklessly cause injury, affray, public nuisance, assault and shop steal x 300.
He will appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court tonight.
"Retail theft is not a victimless crime and Victoria Police is dedicated to identifying those involved in this type of offending and holding them to account for their actions," Melbourne West Bicycle Patrol Unit Sergeant Joseph Ianzano said.
An investigation into the alleged assaults remain ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
