Police have arrested more than a dozen people during a major crackdown on retail theft at Westfield Warrawong.
Lake Illawarra police and security guards swarmed the Cowper Street complex and arrested 13 people.
Two were charged and 11 issued criminal infringement notices for shoplifting offences.
Lake Illawarra crime manager Detective Inspector Glen Broadhead said the operation was a huge success.
‘‘Local police worked very well with centre management and the major retailers during this operation and as a result we have taken action against 13 people for shoplifting offences,’’ Det Insp Broadhead said.
‘‘We will continue to mount this type of intelligence-driven operation to reduce the incidence of retail theft in the local area,’’ he said.
Detective Inspector Broadhead urged shoppers to help police in their fight against shoplifting.
‘‘If you see someone acting suspiciously when you’re out shopping, please bring it to the attention of a staff member immediately so they can alert police,’’ he said.