Retail crime has surged dramatically in Victoria, attributed largely to organised crime syndicates, according to police. This alarming trend includes a 32 per cent rise in thefts and a 12 per cent increase in assaults associated with these crimes.
To combat this issue, Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers have united their efforts to target repeat offenders, who are responsible for a staggering 70 per cent of these incidents. Disturbingly, some individuals have been caught stealing from shops over 100 times.
Crime Stoppers Victoria’s CEO, Stella Smith, emphasised the broader impact of retail crime on society, stating, “Retail crime costs us all, we’re focusing on repeat offenders.” Workers in the retail sector face increasing threats, with some encountering armed confrontations involving knives and firearms, which has led to heightened fears among staff.
Contrary to popular belief, police assert that the ongoing economic challenges are not the primary drivers behind this wave of theft. Instead, many offenders are stealing to fund the operations of organised crime groups. Detective Superintendent Geri Porter explained that some criminals are instructed to enter stores with the intent to steal specific items, which are then sold for profit within their networks.
The persistence of these crimes is reflected in the fact that nearly 70 per cent of retail offences are attributed to a small group of repeat offenders. The financial toll of retail crime is staggering, with the industry suffering losses of around $9 billion annually.
In response to this crisis, Crime Stoppers has launched an initiative focusing on raising awareness about repeat offenders, offering a dedicated online platform where members of the public can report suspicious activities anonymously.