The Minns Labor Government is today launching the new NSW Police Force Retail Crime Strategy to tackle retail crime and keep workers safe.
NSW Police will also roll out Operation Percentile statewide - a proven policing model targeting recidivist offending and high-harm retail offenders.
The strategy will tackle offences including assaults, intimidation and threats of violence, repeat offending and theft.
It was developed in consultation with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA), the Australian Retailers Association, National Retail Association and the Shopping Centre Council.
It sends a clear message that the NSW Government and NSW Police Force have zero tolerance for anyone who attacks or instils fear in workers.
Key elements of the strategy include:
- Conducting high-visibility policing operations, including knife scanning operations in retail precincts to deter violent behaviour.
- Running intelligence-led retail theft operations to target and disrupt crime.
- Establishing dedicated points of contact within each police region to support faster communication, coordination and response to incidents.
- Further supporting retailers through educational initiatives, such as the distribution of Retail Safety Packs, along with undertaking Safer by Design site assessments, delivered by local Crime Prevention Officers.
- Developing a communication package for officers to increase frontline police awareness and understanding of retail crime and its impacts.
- Holding monthly meetings with NSW-based retailers to discuss emerging threats and issues raised by peak bodies.
Police prosecutors will apply to prevent recidivist and violent offenders from re-entering retail premises with a Place Restriction Order after a conviction. Operation Percentile is a key element of the new strategy.
It has run across Central Metropolitan Region since August 2024, proving so successful that police are rolling it out statewide.
Since launching in August 2024, 1,080 people have been charged with more than 1,395 offences with an estimated recovered stock value of $960,500.
Operation Percentile is formally recognised by the National Retail Association for excellence in law enforcement and its impact in retail crime prevention.
The strategy follows the Minns Labor Government cracking down on retail assaults, threats and abuse with tougher laws, penalties and prison time.
The 2023 laws created three new offences with penalties of up to 11 years' imprisonment. Since July 2023, 189 individuals have been charged with 239 offences.
The Minns Labor Government has established a "tripartite working group" collaboration with SDA and the retailers to address violence against retail workers and potential penalties for misconduct.
Anyone can anonymously report an incident of violence in the workplace by calling SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
"No one should be attacked for simply doing their job which is why the NSW Police, backed by the Minns Government, is taking decisive action by giving police everything they need to keep the community safe.
"Violence and aggression towards workers is intolerable and the presence of police tells people in no uncertain terms that this behaviour will not be tolerated and there are real consequences for those who cross the line.
"Today's announcement strengthens our commitment to protect workers and with this new strategy, police will have the resources they need to respond swifty and effectively.
"We are deeply grateful for the dedication and professionalism of our police officers. They work tirelessly across every facet of their work, and this strategy will only strengthen that work."
Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:
"The NSW Police Force Retail Crime Strategy is yet another important step towards tackling retail crime and keeping workers safe.
"The Minns Labor Government's tough laws to help protect retail workers include greater penalties and time behind bars with more than 100 people charged since June 2023. We have seen over 3,300 requests for service in the retail sector made to SafeWork NSW over the past five years.
"I have formed a tripartite working group along with SafeWork NSW, SDA and the retailers to address violence and abuse against workers in the retail sector and ensure compliance. This work is also backed by SafeWork NSW's Respect at Work team who create tailored guidance preventing harassment in the retail sector.
"The NSW Government is taking a zero-tolerance approach. Retail workers have the right to feel and be safe when they go to work and this strategy will continue to protect them."
NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon said:
"It's deeply concerning that a small proportion of offenders are responsible for a significant share of retail crime, with devastating consequences for those affected.
"This strategy outlines clear objectives and a comprehensive suite of tactics to disrupt repeat offending and drive intelligence-led retail operations across the state.
"Police will continue to collaborate closely with retailers and industry bodies to refine our disruption strategies and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
"While prevention remains our priority, we will also enforce place-based restrictions to prevent recidivist offenders from causing further harm."
Secretary of SDA NSW, Bernie Smith said:
"This new Retail Crime Strategy is a crucial step forward to protect frontline retail workers from the escalating wave of customer violence and abuse.
"It builds on years of campaigning by retail workers through the SDA's 'No One Deserves a Serve' campaign.
"We've had enough of retail workers being treated like punching bags.
"Cops in shops are especially welcome; high visibility policing in shopping centres will send a strong message that violence and intimidation won't be tolerated anywhere.
"No area is safe from retail crime. We welcome the fact that this is a truly statewide effort, from Albury to Alstonville, from Dubbo to Mount Druitt, and everywhere in between."
Chief Executive of the Australian Retailers Association, Chris Rodwell said:
"The NSW Government is showing genuine leadership in addressing the devastating impacts of retail crime - first with toughened legislation, and now with the strengthened commitment to police resourcing and the apprehension of repeat offenders. It follows extensive consultation with the government, including direct discussions with the Premier.
"Retail crime is at a crisis level in Australia, with a ripple effect on every retail worker, business owner and retail customer. Too often our front-line workers bear the brunt of this crime wave with unacceptable levels of customer aggression, abuse, assault and weapon-related threats and attacks. By conservative estimates, retail theft costs retailers $9 billion every year. Every customer faces the impact of that because it ultimately leads to increased prices at the check-out.
"We know 10 percent of offenders are responsible for around 60 percent of total harm, which is why the emphasis on repeat offenders is strongly welcomed in today's announcements.
"There is no single solution to this ongoing challenge, but this latest action by the NSW Government and NSW Police is a great example of what can be achieved by listening and collaborating with retailers. We are committed to working with them and communities across the state to reduce retail crime and improve the safety of every person working in retail."
Chief Executive of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA), Angus Nardi said:
"The shopping centre industry strongly supports the NSW Government's new Retail Crime Strategy.
"Our industry thanks the NSW Government for their engagement, and we look forward to partnering further with the Government, NSW Police and other stakeholders to ensure community safety in shopping centres and other retail settings.
"It is particularly pleasing that the Strategy has a strong focus on repeat and high-harm offenders, and also sends a strong signal that aggression, violence and intimidation in retail settings will not be tolerated."
