Police attached to The Hume Target Action Group conducted a two day operation on November 21 and 22 in a shopping centre on Auburn Street, Goulburn.

A police spokesperson said 17 people were identified stealing from stores within the centre.

“All 17 have been referred to court for the offence of shoplifting,” the spokesperson said. 

“Two people were charged with trespass offences. One person was also charged with breaching bail conditions.

“Sixteen people have also been issued banning notices from the centre.”

Hume LAC Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Chad Gillies states the operation underlines the local police commitment to targeting retail theft.

"Our police conducted this operation in cooperation with local retailers. The results confirm that retail theft is an ongoing issue and we hope that operations such as this deter would-be offenders,” Det Insp Giles said. 

“These operations are conducted regularly and based on these results, we will have similar covert operations in the near future."