Retail crime campaign in VIC kicks off in full swing

Employers have a duty to protect their workers, and every employee has the right to feel safe at work. But when the threat comes from outside the workplace, tackling it takes a coordinated, national effort.

Australia is in the midst of a retail crime crisis. From theft and aggression to organised criminal activity, the problem has spread across the country, hitting both small businesses and major retailers. In response, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) – soon to merge as the Australian Retail Council (ARC) – have developed a national strategy to prevent incidents and ensure offenders are held accountable.

The SAS Group has supported the rollout of the strategy, working with government, media and member organisations to raise awareness and drive action.

Backed by data from independent surveys and stories from frontline workers, the ARA and NRA are calling for stronger, nationally consistent measures to protect retail staff and customers. Their proposals include tougher legislation, the creation of dedicated retail crime police taskforces, improved safety training, and the use of new technologies to detect and deter crime.

With 1.4 million Australians working in retail – and nearly every Australian stepping into a store each week – the issue has united industry groups, retailers, unions and the public in demanding change across all levels of government.

While the financial cost of retail crime is estimated at $140 million each year, the industry’s leaders say the greater toll is human.

There are signs of progress. Media coverage has intensified, governments are paying attention, and new measures are beginning to emerge. Workplace protection orders, already in place in the ACT, have been introduced in South Australia and are under consideration elsewhere. In New South Wales, the state government has launched a dedicated retail crime taskforce as part of its broader Retail Crime Strategy.

The momentum continued last week when the ARA held a media event on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House, joined by executives and staff from Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings and IGA. The release of new industry survey results drew widespread coverage, reinforcing the urgency of the issue.

Turning back the tide of retail crime will take sustained collaboration and commitment. But with the upcoming formation of the Australian Retail Council, the industry is better placed than ever to protect both workers and shoppers from harm.