The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) says today's ABS Recorded Crime - Victims data confirms what retailers see every day: theft is rising to crisis levels, with retail stores a top target.
The ABS reported 595,660 victims of theft nationally in 2024 - the highest number in 21 years and a 6% increase on the previous year. Almost half of all theft incidents (45% or 268,666 cases) occurred in retail settings.
ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said the data out today paints an appalling picture of the state of retail crime across the country and the impact on innocent victims.
"These numbers reflect what retailers know too well. We are confronting a full-scale retail crime crisis," he said. "The fear and reality of retail crime is experienced daily. Thefts at retail locations rose from 32 per cent of all thefts in 2010 to 45 per cent in 2024, with the number of incidents at the highest recorded level in more than two decades. The number of incidents continues to surge. In Victoria, the situation is particularly grim with a 29 per cent increase in theft in 2024.
"That's why we're calling for urgent and decisive action from our political leaders - including Premiers, Police Ministers and Attorneys General – to address this scourge of retail crime. We've seen the results when this action has been taken," said Mr Rodwell.
"The surge in the past five years underlines the need for the Federal Government to step in and work with the states to ensure a unified and comprehensive approach to tackle retail crime. Communities across the nation deserve nothing less.
"In particular, we need to see workplace protection orders introduced as an urgent priority as they have been in the ACT. We also need to see tougher legislation in place in Victoria and other jurisdictions that are lagging behind best practice. The responsible adoption of technology solutions in retail settings is another part of the solution. Innovations such as body worn cameras and facial recognition technology have been highly effective in retail locations around the world.
"We need to act now. There are far too many innocent victims - team members and customers - across the county. The financial impact on businesses is also unsustainable and ultimately adds to the price at the checkout," he said.
