New campaign focuses on stopping retail crime

CRIME Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police have launched a new campaign calling on information from the community to help disrupt retail crime.

In the “Retail Crime Costs Us All” campaign, CCTV footage of some of the state’s worst retail crime repeat offenders will be released in an appeal to the public.

Retail crime offending typically involves theft of goods and sometimes violent and aggressive behaviour towards staff and other shoppers, often resulting in thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen items.

Retailers targeted can range from grocery stores and liquor outlets to hardware stores and clothing shops.

Repeat offenders account for nearly 70 per cent of all retail crime incidents, with information from the community important in helping police to
detect offenders.

Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive officer Stella Smith said retail crime affected everyone.

“Retail crime puts frontline workers and the community at risk and fuels further criminal activity.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe at work, yet frontline retail workers are routinely facing violence and threatening behaviour while simply doing their jobs.”

In addition to stealing goods, retail crime offenders often come prepared for confrontation, with increased reports of carrying weapons.

Assaults linked to theft in retail settings have risen by 12.3 per cent year on year, with assaults on females in a retail setting rising by 65.7 per cent in 2024.

Detective Superintendent Geri Porter from Victorian Police said retail crime posed a direct threat to the safety of both workers and shoppers.

She said Victoria Police took the issue seriously, with more than 1,133 offenders arrested in January alone.

“We are working very closely with retailers to address this issue and our priority is to ensure everyone, including workers and shoppers, feel safe when visiting retailers.”

Victorians can play an important role in assisting police by providing any information about offenders, including their names, locations they frequent, licence plate details, any information about stolen goods including where they are being held, or information about recipients of stolen goods.

“Information from the community can and does significantly aid in disrupting retail crime and ensuring offenders are held accountable,” Detective Superintendent Porter said.

Ms Smith said Crime Stoppers Victoria made it easy for the community to report what they know.

“Every piece of information can help prevent the next theft or act of violence.

“You can also choose to remain anonymous.”

For more information on “Retail Crime Costs Us All”, head to crimestoppersvic.com.au/current-focus/retail-crime