Wembley Police Senior Sergeant Kate Vivian said despite thefts in Leederville generally decreasing by 24 per cent compared to this time last year, several businesses around the Leederville train station had experienced a noticeable rise in thefts last month.
Sen Sgt Vivian said a man and woman were going into shops in the area and using a distraction technique to steal from the businesses.
The man is described as Caucasian, about 180cm tall and the woman has olive skin, long brown hair and is about 170cm tall.
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READ NOW"I encourage businesses to target harden their premises, such as reviewing what products they have close to the doorways or outside on the footpath, secure all access to the rear of the premise and I encourage all business to look at the possibility of CCTV," Snr Sgt Vivian said.
"Wembley police are working with the City of Vincent in collaboration to make sure there is a targeted approach to the current complaints."
Vincent Mayor John Carey said the businesses affected had approached him directly about the thefts.
"I was approached by a few businesses over the last three or four weeks," Mr Carey said. "It seems to be the regular grab and dash shoplifting.
"We recently had a meeting with the businesses and community safety officer."
Sen Sgt Vivian said most of the thefts were targeted at clothing and handbags.
To report an incident in Leederville call Wembley Local Policing Team on 0466 521 367.