Retail Violence Reaches Crisis Point in Victoria

Strategic Insights -

Violence against retail staff in Victoria has reached an unprecedented level, forcing some businesses to reconsider their viability in the state. Retail crime has become a daily reality for many store employees, with some reporting being spat at, verbally abused, or threatened. The crisis has prompted several retailers, including Bunnings and Woolworths, to introduce measures such as body-worn cameras and tactical guards to protect their staff.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ritchies IGA CEO Fred Harrison warned that retail crime in Victoria has reached "crisis point," making it difficult for small businesses to operate safely and profitably.
  • Bunnings store manager Olivia reported a rise in cases involving organised crime gangs targeting her Melbourne store since the pandemic, with attacks on staff becoming increasingly frequent.
  • Woolworths has set up a new department dedicated to investigating acts of violence and aggression against staff, with over 6,000 incidents reported last year – a 26% increase from the previous year.
  • The Australian Bureau of Statistics confirmed that retail crime is on the rise across Australia, with 595,660 victims of personal and retail theft recorded by police in 2022 – a six per cent increase from the previous year.
  • Victoria recorded 169,673 victims of personal and retail theft in 2022 – a rise of 29% from the previous year, making it the worst-offending state.
  • Retail crime reporting software company Auror found that Victoria saw a rise of 52% in threatening crime and a 38% jump in violent events towards retailers in 2022, compared to the previous year.
  • The Australian Retailers Association is calling for the nationwide introduction of workplace protection orders, which have led to a fall in retail crime in the ACT.

Statistics:

  • 85 Ritchies IGA stores across Australia, with 52 in Victoria
  • 95% of the issues linked to retail crime in Ritchies IGA are reported in Victoria
  • 6,000 incidents of violence and aggression against Woolworths staff last year – a 26% increase from the previous year
  • 595,660 victims of personal and retail theft recorded by police in Australia in 2022 – a 6% increase from the previous year
  • 169,673 victims of personal and retail theft in Victoria in 2022 – a 29% increase from the previous year
  • 21-year high in retail crime in Australia (last year)
  • 52% rise in threatening crime in Victoria in 2022, compared to the previous year
  • 38% jump in violent events towards retailers in Victoria in 2022, compared to the previous year
  • 800,000 incidents of retail crime in Australia in the past year

Sources:

  • 7.30, ABC News
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics
  • Auror, retail crime reporting software company
  • Australian Retailers Association
  • Woolworths
  • Bunnings