Four charged with shoplifting offences on the Mid North Coast

FOUR people are before the court charged with alleged shoplifting offences, following a police operation on the Mid North Coast last week.

“Operation Percentile” is a proactive operation using an intelligence-led approach to identify and disrupt repeat retail crime offenders.

The operation ran from Tuesday 25 to Wednesday 26 November, with officers attached to Mid North Coast Proactive Crime Team, with assistance from Loss Prevention Officers, targeting retail outlets in Port Macquarie and Kempsey.

Over the two-day operation, 11 people were issued with 14 infringement notices issued for alleged shoplifting related offences.

Other incidents of note include:

● About 2.45pm on Wednesday 26 November a 33-year-old man was arrested at a Port Macquarie supermarket after he was allegedly seen to steal various dairy items before trying to hide in the toilets. During the arrest, the man was found to have an outstanding warrant for arrest and was charged with stealing.

● About 3.30pm on Wednesday 26 November a 20-year-old man allegedly attempted to leave the area on foot after allegedly stealing food items from a supermarket on Hayward Street, Port Macquarie. The man was arrested and charged with stealing and “escape lawful custody”.

● A short time later, police arrested a 39-year-old man on Gordon Street when he attempted to leave the area on foot. During a subsequent search of the man, officers allegedly located an amount of cannabis, LSD, mushrooms, and approximately 36 grams of methamphetamine. The man was arrested and charged with eight offences, including “supply prohibited drug” and “resist officer”.

● About 4.45pm on Wednesday 26 November a 26-year-old man was arrested at a licensed premises on Gordon Street and was found to have allegedly breached an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order. He was arrested and charged in relation to an outstanding warrant.

All four men were refused bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Thursday 27 November.

During the operation, officers allegedly seized large quantities of meat, confectionary items, and energy drinks all alleged to have been stolen from supermarkets in the area.

Investigations under Operation Percentile will continue.