Since December, Operation Pulse has targeted eight shopping centres in Victoria, with police officers and protective service officers patrolling the premises. The operation has reportedly produced a 73 per cent reduction in retail theft stock loss and a 50 per cent reduction in serious violent events at participating centres.
Victoria Police have made more than 450 arrests as part of the blitz, and Australian Retail Council CEO Chris Rodwell said it was pleasing to see authorities take the scourge of criminals targeting retail businesses seriously.
“Operation Pulse is proof that when police are properly resourced and highly visible in shopping centres, retail crime drops dramatically,” Rodwell said.
“A 73 per cent reduction in stock loss and a 50 per cent drop in serious violent incidents are strong results.
“Retail crime is a state-wide problem in Victoria. The scale and persistence of offending — the worst in the country — demands a permanent, state-wide retail crime taskforce with dedicated resources, similar to NSW’s Operation Percentile and South Australia’s Operation Measure.”
The Victorian Government is investing $6.5 million to extend operations until the end of the year, bringing the total budget to $9 million.
More reading
Aussie consumers support futuristic technology to protect retail businesses
Jeweller hospitalised during Melbourne crime spree
Rise in crimes against retailers noted in New South Wales
Jeweller accused of managing cocaine empire’s finances seeks bail
Criminal gang faces court over Australian jewellery burglary
 | 2026 JEWELLERS' SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY
Find Anything & Everything Click for the Full Index to discover fresh products, trends, and suppliers.
If it’s not listed here, it’s not worth knowing about! The annual Suppliers Directory is the #1 directory for retailers looking for new products and new suppliers. If you don’t know, we do!
|