Sixteen people have been arrested and a quantity of stolen property recovered as part of a two-day operation by Tasmania Police targeting retail crime.
Retailers operating in Sandy Bay, Hobart, North Hobart and New Town took part in the blitz on Wednesday and Thursday, which involved officers from Tasmania Police Hobart division, members of Taskforce Saturate and covert security managed by the retailers.
Meat, groceries, alcohol, clothing and household items were allegedly stolen from retailers, with the ages of the accused ranging from a 14-year-old boy to a 64-year-old woman.
Tasmania Police Hobart Inspector John Toohey said several arrests involved recidivist offenders.
Inspector Toohey said the operation showed the benefit of retailers, the community and law enforcement working together toward the shared goal of creating a safe environment.
Among those charged were:
• 33-year-old woman, charged with assault, destroy property, bail offences;
• 15-year-old girl, charged with stealing, four counts of trespass, resist police, assault a police officer, threaten a police officer;
• 16-year-old boy charged with two counts stealing and burglary;
• 14-year-old boy, charged with state false name, attempted burglary, two counts of stealing and destroying property;
• 21-year-old man, charged with stealing, state false name and unlawfully possess a dangerous article in a public place;
• 18-year-old man, charged with two counts of stealing, trespass and secrete within the curtilage of a dwelling/house;
• 64-year-old woman, who faces a summons in relation to stealing.
Other alleged offenders will be dealt with by summons or youth caution
Anyone with information regarding suspected criminal activity should report it to police on 131 444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00 or at crimestopperstas.com.au
Hobart Inspector John Toohey, right, with Tasmania Police constables on the beat at Sandy Bay during the retail crime blitz. (Picture: Tasmania Police)
