Prolific alleged retail thieves arrested during theft blitz in Melbourne

A 36-year-old man has been arrested over an alleged theft involving nearly $100,000 worth of luxury clothes, handbags, and beauty products from Melbourne's CBD stores.

The arrest was one of dozens following a police operation targeting prolific alleged retail thieves.

Over the past month, 478 charges have been laid and almost $100,000 worth of stolen goods seized.

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The operation was launched in July and focused on violent, aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards retail staff in the Melbourne and Yarra council areas.

About 24 alleged thieves have been arrested, eight of them arrested twice, according to police.

Luxury perfumes, designer clothes and high-end skincare products are among items seized.

"Retail theft might sound like a victimless crime, but that couldn't be further from the truth," Operation STAND Police Commander Superintendent Brett Kahan said.

"Retail staff have long been dealing with intimidating, aggressive and violent behaviour and it was time we took a stand against it.

"Because of STAND, 24 prolific and allegedly violent retail thieves have been arrested and we have more closely in our sights."

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Police said those arrested have allegedly stolen more than $200,000 worth of goods from CBD, Richmond and Collingwood stores this year alone.

Stolen items are generally sold by thieves for financial gain, according to police.

Another arrest included a 45-year-old who was caught on August 20 after allegedly stealing almost $10,000 worth of goods from CBD clothing and liquor stores between July and August this year.

Police will allege the man spat at retail staff when approached and would verbally threaten them with injury if they tried to intervene.

The Prahran man was charged with 45 offences including aggravated assault, unlawful assault, shop stealing and threats to inflict serious injury.

Police also launched an online platform to engage regularly with 23 retailers who have multiple stores across the CBD over the operation.