Officers from the Wollongong Police District's proactive crime team conducted the operation on Wednesday, issuing 14 court attendance notices and seven criminal infringement notices.

They also dealt with two youths under the Young Offenders Act.

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One of those charged included a 39-year-old woman who allegedly stole a $500 jacket from a Crown Street shop just after 11.30am.

She was ordered to attend court next month, charged with larceny; the jacket was returned to the store.

Police also arrested a 22-year-old man after he was accused of trying to leave a supermarket without paying for items.

He was allegedly found in possession of the items as well as cannabis, and subsequently charged with shoplifting, possessing a prohibited drug, and contravening an apprehended violence order.

He was granted bail to front court later this month.

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A 31-year-old woman also stands accused of filling a backpack with groceries worth $204 and leaving without paying.

Meanwhile, a 22-year-old woman was charged with shoplifting for allegedly stealing almost $320 worth of clothing from a sports store.

Police say similar operations are expected again in the future.

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