The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Committee for Melbourne's Community Safety and Business Impacts Survey, which was completed by more than 1,400 Victorian businesses, has found:
- 92 per cent of employers stated concerns for staff safety had increased.
- 74 per cent stated safety and crime issues have directly influenced major business decisions, including investing in additional security.
- 49 per cent state safety and anti-social behaviour had worsened over the past year.
- A "heavy toll" on employees, including rising stress and anxiety, mental health leave and workplace injuries and compensation claims.
This survey comes as the latest data from the independent Victorian Crime Statistics Agency confirmed 41,667 instances of theft a retail store for the year-ending June 2025 - more than 114 a day and a 27.6 per more than the year prior.
Under Labor, Victoria's bail laws are weaker today than they were two years ago, more than $100 million has been cut from Court Services Victoria, 43 police stations are operating on reduced hours and overall criminal offending as at an all-time high.
Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, said: "This survey confirms Labor's crime crisis is not only hurting communities but is now having a direct impact on our economy.
"No business owner, employee or customer should be attacked, abused or left questioning their safety when they visit their local shops - but under Labor, that is exactly what is happening.
"Community safety is a top priority for my team. Only the Liberal and Nationals will end Labor's catch-and-release bail system, restore investment in crime prevention and ensure sentences are in line with community expectations."
Shadow Minister for Police, David Southwick, said: "Labor's weak bail laws and community safety cuts have emboldened offenders and left Victorians living in fear.
"Theft, anti-social behaviour and assaults within businesses are becoming increasingly common and it is frontline workers and business operators that are being left to pay the price.
"Labor has no plan to fix the crime crisis they have created. Only a Wilson Liberal and Nationals Government will take action to restore community safety across our state."
