Thieves have stolen luxury items worth thousands in a brazen ramraid at the David Jones store located on Bourke Street, Melbourne. The criminals violently breached the shop’s rear roller door, making off with a significant cache of high-end handbags before fleeing the scene in a white Lexus. This incident marks the fourth high-profile store robbery in Melbourne within just one month, underscoring a troubling trend in retail crime.
The surge in retail theft is alarming, with Victoria experiencing nearly a 90 per cent increase over the past year. This spike in crime is estimated to have cost local businesses around $9 billion. Retailers are now advocating for increased police presence and tougher regulations to combat this growing issue.
Fleur Brown from the Australian Retailers Association expressed concern for businesses in the city centre, stating that they are repeatedly targeted, not only for retail crimes but also as a result of declining foot traffic. She emphasised the necessity of a multifaceted approach to address these challenges and mentioned that ongoing discussions are taking place with the Victorian government to enhance support for retailers facing these hardships.
Recent robberies have included incidents at other luxury stores like Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton, where thieves have also commandeered expensive handbags and jewellery. These events reflect a broader issue that pursues both law enforcement and retailers alike. There is a pressing need for a coordinated strategy to restore safety and security for businesses and shoppers in the area.