Police from Operation Stand have charged an alleged retail thief with more than 20 offences after a series of shop thefts across Melbourne's CBD in the last six weeks.
The 38-year-old was arrested during a search warrant at a North Melbourne address on Friday 20 June.
Investigators, with assistance from the Melbourne Crime Reduction Team, also seized more than $8,000 worth of allegedly stolen handbags and luxury perfumes.
It will be alleged the man committed a series of shop thefts between May and June this year and stole more than $30,000 worth of handbags, beauty products and luxury perfumes.
The North Melbourne man was on Friday charged with more than 20 offences including:
• 17 counts of shop theft;
• Possessing methylamphetamine;
• Possessing cannabis;
• Handling stolen goods; and
• Fail to answer bail.
The man remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 24 June.
Operation Stand is a dedicated team of police who work with CBD and Yarra retailers to identify thieves who use aggression, intimidation, and violence towards retail staff.
Since launching almost a year ago the team has made more than 130 arrests and laid more than 1100 charges.
Quotes attributable to Acting Sergeant Roland Stagg, Operation Stand:
"Retail theft is far from a victimless crime.
"We will continue to pursue serial thieves and hold them to account."
