Police arrested 149 people for alleged retail-related offences across Canberra in the first five months of the year as part of a crackdown on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

Among those charged was a 46-year-old man accused of stealing alcohol on 27 occasions from stores in Wright, Greenway and Belconnen.

In another incident, police patrolling Westfield Belconnen in April arrested an alleged shoplifter who had verbally abused staff. A knife was allegedly found during a search of his belongings.

Police also charged a 15-year-old girl, who was subject to bail conditions, after a retail worker was allegedly assaulted while confronting a group of youths accused of stealing items in May.

Police say shoplifting and anti-social behaviour at shopping centres remain a concern for retailers, staff and the wider community.