Police from the Melbourne Bicycle Patrol have helped catch a man alleged to have stolen $14,000 worth of beer in Melbourne in recent months.

In conjunction with officers from the Melbourne West Neighbourhood Policing Team, police apprehended the prolific slab stealer during an operation in Melbourne’s CBD. Officers inside a neighbouring supermarket allegedly observed him select his usual slab of choice from the Spencer Street bottle shop and walk out at about 9.15am on 16 July 2025.

The man is alleged to have stolen roughly two slabs a day, worth approximately $160, from three bottle shops in Melbourne, Docklands and Fitzroy, for the past six months. The total value of the alleged 88 slabs of beer stolen is approximately $14,000.

The 33-year-old man of no fixed address was interviewed and subsequently charged with 130 counts of shop-steal. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 1 August.

Escalating crime rocks liquor retailers

The retail liquor industry is calling for urgent government action on crime, safety and security following rising theft rates across Australia.

Earlier this month, seven people have been arrested and more than $125,000 worth of stolen goods seized – including whiskey and spirits – following police disrupting another retail theft syndicate in Victoria.

The arrests come as retail thefts across Victoria hit record highs, with the crime rising by almost 40% in the last year alone.

The most common item stolen from retail stores is alcohol, with organised groups of shop stealers working together to steal goods and on-sell them for a profit.