Rising Retail Crime Puts Pressure on Businesses and Communities

Retailers across Victoria are facing a noticeable rise in theft, aggression, and in-store incidents, turning what was once an occasional concern into an ongoing challenge for both businesses and shoppers.

Recent crime figures show a sharp increase in offences occurring inside retail environments, with theft and physical confrontations among the fastest-growing categories. Compared with the post-pandemic period, the growth has been substantial, adding financial strain and safety risks for retailers already managing economic pressures.

This issue extends beyond the retail sector itself. Most people visit stores regularly, and many families rely on retail for employment — meaning the impact is felt in households, workplaces, and local communities alike. Staff are facing greater emotional stress on the job, while customers are seeing more visible security measures introduced to protect people and property.

Short-term initiatives and seasonal policing efforts have provided some reassurance, but there is growing recognition that a longer-term, coordinated approach is needed. Proposed measures include stronger protections against repeat offenders and the consideration of new technologies and prevention strategies, balanced with appropriate safeguards.

Ultimately, retail crime is about more than lost stock — it affects livelihoods, wellbeing, and the sense of safety in everyday public spaces. Creating safer retail environments will require collaboration, consistency, and solutions that support both workers and the wider community.