Victorian retail crime has surged 20% to 99,114 recorded offences in the year ending June 2025, marking the highest level in a decade and prompting industry bodies to demand urgent government action.

The Crime Statistics Agency’s latest report shows retail stores are now the third-highest location for crime after private dwellings and streets, with thefts jumping 26% to 36,254 incidents and criminal incidents up 73% since 2022, the highest figures since CSA reporting began in 2015-16.

The data reveals a criminal offence occurs in Victorian retail settings at least once every five minutes, with assaults happening every couple of hours and aggravated robbery or weapon-related offences occurring daily or more frequently.

Assault and related offences in retail settings climbed 21% year-on-year, highlighting the increasing danger faced by retail workers and customers.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) warn the true figures are likely higher as significant retail crime goes unreported.

“Today’s figures are grim and confirm Victoria’s retail crime crisis is only getting worse,” said ARA CEO Chris Rodwell.

“The toll this is having on our retail workers is unacceptable.”

Victoria remains the only Australian state without strict, proactive legislation specifically targeting retail crime, despite the escalating crisis.

Industry bodies argue this legislative gap leaves retail workers and customers vulnerable compared to other jurisdictions with tougher penalties and stronger police powers.

The ARA and NRA are calling for immediate reforms:

  • A dedicated Police Taskforce for Retail Crime
  • Enforceable Workplace Protection Orders
  • Streamlined online reporting systems
  • Increased police search powers through initiatives like Jack’s Law

These measures have proven effective in other Australian states but remain absent in Victoria.

The retail crime epidemic carries a collective annual cost exceeding $9 billion nationally, creating an unacceptable burden for retailers that ultimately flows through to higher prices at checkout.

This financial impact compounds the human cost, with worker safety, business viability, and community confidence all under threat.

“Retail crime is a top risk for retailers, whether it relates to safety of people, operational impacts or financial costs,” Rodwell noted, emphasising that costs inevitably reach consumers through increased prices.

Industry leaders are demanding both state and federal intervention.

While some states have implemented strong responses to the retail crime crisis, Victoria’s inaction stands out as an anomaly requiring immediate correction.

The ARA and NRA are pushing for federal government coordination to ensure nationally consistent responses across all states, preventing criminals from exploiting jurisdictional differences.

The surge in retail crime reflects broader social and economic pressures, with cost-of-living strains potentially contributing to increased theft rates.

However, the rise in violent offences including assaults and weapon-related crimes suggests the problem extends beyond economic desperation to include organised retail crime and escalating aggression toward retail workers.

For retail employees, the statistics translate to daily anxiety about potential confrontations, with many reporting increased stress and safety concerns.

Some retailers have responded by increasing security measures, though industry bodies argue this treats symptoms rather than addressing root causes.

Without immediate government intervention, industry leaders warn the situation will continue deteriorating.

The proven success of retail crime task-forces and specific legislation in other states provides a clear roadmap for Victoria to follow.

The timing is critical as the holiday shopping period approaches, traditionally seeing increased retail crime.

Industry bodies are pressing for reforms before this peak period to protect workers, customers, and businesses from further escalation.

The Victorian Government has yet to announce specific measures addressing the retail crime surge, despite mounting pressure from industry groups and growing evidence of the crisis’s severity.