Retail crime has become a routine and systemic part of daily life in Victoria, with new Crime Statistics Agency data revealing almost 100,000 incidents in retail settings over the past year - the equivalent of one incident every five minutes.
The data, covering the year to September 2025, shows retail is now the third most common location for recorded crime in the state, behind only streets and private dwellings, placing frontline retail workers and customers at increasing risk.
Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Chris Rodwell said the scale of retail crime means it is no longer a sector-specific issue, but one that affects communities across Victoria.
"This new data confirms what our members have been telling us for some time," Mr Rodwell said. "Around nine in ten Australians visit a retailer weekly or more often, and almost two in three either work in retail or have a close friend or family member who does. This is happening in suburban shopping centres, regional towns and CBDs alike, and the impact is being felt right across the community."
The CSA figures show retail crime continues to accelerate, with total retail offences up 11.2 per cent year-on-year, including a 13.5 per cent increase in theft to more than 60,000 incidents and a 14.8 per cent rise in assaults. Since the post-COVID baseline in 2022, total retail offences have increased 63 per cent, with theft up more than 90 per cent.
Mr Rodwell welcomed the increased police presence in retail shopping centres over the summer period, acknowledging its positive impact on safety.
"Retailers and workers have welcomed the stronger visibility of police in shopping centres, and we recognise the important work Victoria Police are doing on the ground," Mr Rodwell said. "We also acknowledge the important step Victoria has taken in passing tougher retail crime abuse and assault legislation, which will go a long way in strengthening protections for workers."
However, Mr Rodwell said retail crime requires a permanent, statewide response, calling on the Victorian Government to establish a dedicated retail crime taskforce, similar to those operating in New South Wales and South Australia.
"The next step is locking in a permanent, statewide retail crime taskforce and moving quickly to implement Workplace Protection Orders so repeat offenders can be stopped before they re-enter stores," he said.
The ARA is also urging Victoria to work with other states and the Federal Government on the responsible use of facial recognition technology to better identify and deter repeat offenders.
"Retail workers deserve to feel safe at work, and customers deserve to feel safe when they shop," Mr Rodwell said. "That requires sustained enforcement, modern laws and practical tools that match the scale of the problem we are now facing."
