According to data released by the Victorian Government’s Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) for the most recent reporting period, recorded retail offences rose 20 per cent to 99,114. Within these, theft from retail stores increased 26 per cent to 36,254 incidents, while retail-related assaults also rose 21 per cent year-on-year.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) warn that retailers now face increasing risks across the broader sector. ARA CEO Chris Rodwell stated that store staff and assets are facing increased threats as the situation deteriorates.
“We’re seeing a criminal offence at least once every five minutes in a retail setting, with assaults every few hours and weapon-related incidents occurring daily,” Rodwell said.
“Victoria remains the only state without proactive laws to safeguard retail workers and customers. Without tougher penalties and stronger police powers, incidents will continue to escalate.”
He added: “We’ve seen a number of strong state-based responses to the retail crime crisis in some parts of the country. It’s critical that the Victoria Government follows suit. We also need the Federal Government to coordinate the states to ensure a nationally consistent response.”
According to the ARA, retailers lose an estimated $9 billion annually to crime, which threatens their prices and business viability. The ARA and NRA have proposed a dedicated police taskforce for retail crime, enforceable Workplace Protection Orders, a streamlined online reporting system, and expanded police search powers.
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