News / Crime
Machete seized during Brunswick and Coburg police blitz
Dozens arrested during four-day operation
Brunswick Voice
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
A 14-YEAR-OLD boy was found in possession of a machete at Barkly Square Shopping Centre last week during a four-day police blitz focussing on retail theft in Brunswick and Coburg.
Twenty-four people were arrested during the four-day operation around the Coburg Shopping Precinct in Louisa Street and Barkly Square Shopping Centre in Brunswick.
Police say the operation led to the prevention of dozens of shop thefts.
The operation took place between January 27 and 30, with both uniform and plain clothes police patrolling the area in a co-ordinated approach with loss prevention officers and security from retail stores to gather intelligence and swiftly arrest any thieves.
A total of 24 people were arrested, the majority for shop thefts from supermarkets, liquor stores and department stores. A total of 25 charges have been laid, mostly for shop theft.
The 14-year-old boy was arrested on January 29 and has been charged with possessing a prohibited weapon. He also had outstanding warrants.
The latest crime data shows theft-related crimes continue to rise, with retail theft experiencing a 15% increase statewide in the past year.
Brunswick and Coburg are not immune from this increase, with the offence at record levels. For the year ending in September, 297 retail thefts were recorded in Brunswick, Brunswick East and Brunswick West, an increase of 23.2% from the previous year. In Coburg and Coburg North, the increase was less than 2% with 219 incidents recorded.
Merri-bek Local Area Commander, Inspector Tim Jacobs said similar operations would continue in the future to disrupt and deter retail theft from occurring.
“Retail theft is certainly not a victimless crime, with staff and bystanders experiencing aggression and intimidation during these incidents,” he said.
“We are very focused on ensuring our local retailers are safe, and ensuring these are safe places for people to visit.
“Operations like this will continue to prevent retail theft from occurring in the first place, and allowing us to respond quickly to apprehend thieves.”
Police also engaged with retailers to decrease their likelihood of being targeted by thieves, and what to do if they find themselves victims of the crime.
Cars damaged, driver arrested
Man was seen driving erratically along Moonee Ponds Creek trail
POLICE have charged a man after multiple cars were damaged in Coburg on January 29.
Officers were called to reports of a Toyota sedan allegedly driving into multiple cars on Sydney Road about 12.33pm.
It is understood that prior to the collisions, the Toyota was seen driving erratically in the Glenroy, Strathmore / Citylink and Pascoe Vale South areas, including driving along the Moonee Ponds Creek trail.
The driver, a 27-year-old Broadmeadows man, attempted to flee the scene on foot and was restrained by passersby until police arrived.
He was given medical treatment at the scene and has since been charged.
The driver has been charged with driving whilst disqualified, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, careless driving, fail to stop at a collision and trafficking a drug of dependence
He has been remanded to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on February 3.
No one else was injured in the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footage or further information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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