Shepparton police have charged a 51-year-old woman following an investigation into an alleged supermarket theft in Kialla. Police from the Operation Securus retail theft team executed a warrant at a Shepparton address on Tuesday, August 25, where they arrested the woman.

Police allege the woman entered Coles at Riverside Plaza at about 4pm on Monday, August 24, loaded a shopping trolley with more than $800 worth of groceries and left the store without attempting to pay.

During a search of the property, officers allegedly recovered most of the items believed to have been stolen. The woman was taken into custody, interviewed by police and subsequently charged with theft.

She was released on bail and is expected to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court at a later date.

The arrest forms part of Operation Securus, an ongoing Victoria Police operation targeting retail theft across Greater Shepparton. Police say the operation is focused on prolific offenders and offences involving aggression or intimidation.

Authorities say hundreds of charges have been laid since a dedicated five-member retail theft team began operating on May 17. The operation continues to target alleged shoplifting offences across the region.

Police have encouraged retailers and members of the public to report suspected thefts and provide information that could assist investigations.