Shoplifting attempted while police at store

Two Victoria police officers at a Mayfair Shopping Centre store to deal with a series of shoplifting incidents ended up arresting a man who was trying to shoplift right in front of them.

The officers were talking with store staff about 12:40 p.m. Tuesday because of several brazen thefts, including a daytime incident where a staff member was assaulted.

Despite the officers being in full uniform and with “Victoria Police” emblazoned on their vests, one of them spotted a man walking hurriedly with his head lowered and a package partly hidden in his jacket.

He walked past the cash register and exited.

The officers caught up with him and discovered he had an item from the store. He was arrested without incident.

He was released pending a future court date with conditions that include staying away from mall property.