Police arrested four girls aged 14 to 16 in Myrtleford and Wangaratta on Thursday.

They are accused of travelling into Myrtleford on several occasions from last Thursday and targeting at least five small businesses, stealing perfume, clothes, makeup, soft drink and lollies.

On each occasion, they entered the businesses, quickly stuffed the items into their pants or shopping bags from other businesses, and hurriedly left.

A sports bag was also stuffed with clothes and stolen goods.

Officers have retrieved five boxes of stolen items, worth about $1000, and believe they wanted the products for personal use.

Leading Senior Constable Jason Borbidge said the group had travelled into Myrtleford by bus from Benalla and Wangaratta, stayed for several days at a time, and committed the stealing spree.

“The victims primarily are small businesses,” he said.

“The community as a whole ends up paying higher prices due to their poor behaviour.”

Leading Senior Constable Borbidge said police could have targeted the group earlier with help.

“If people see this occurring, they need to ring us straight away,” he said.

“If you see people stealing items, you need to let the shops and police know straight away.”

Three girls have been charged with theft and handling stolen goods and have been banned from entering Myrtleford as part of their bail, with charges pending against a fourth girl.