Victoria Police has launched a new focused operation in Shepparton to tackle a sharp increase in shoplifting and violence against retail workers. A dedicated team of five officers will begin daily patrols of Shepparton's shopping precinct, targeting repeat offenders and strengthening communication with local businesses. The initiative is the first operation of its kind to be introduced in rural Victoria. Acting Superintendent Anna Parkinson said nearly 800 retail theft offences were recorded across Greater Shepparton in 2025, with offenders increasingly using intimidation and aggression toward staff. Police said the patrols will also extend to nearby Tatura and Mooroopna as authorities work to reduce theft and improve safety for workers and shoppers.