The Australian Retail Council (ARC) has welcomed the Victorian government’s decision to extend Operation Pulse, a solution in the fight against retail crime, until the end of the year.

Operation Pulse puts police and protective services officers (PSO) in shopping centres with the intention to keep families, workers and shoppers safe.

Since commencing in December, the initiative has delivered measurable outcomes across targeted shopping centres including Northland, Eastland, Highpoint and Fountain Gate. According to state government data, the operation has contributed to a 73% reduction in retail theft stock loss and a 50% reduction in serious violent events at participating centres. 

Victoria Police have made 452 arrests, laid 971 charges, seized more than 100 weapons and conducted 3800 vehicle checks as part of highly visible patrols. 

On Sunday (1 March), Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced her government would be investing $6.5 million to extend the targeted Victoria Police operation until the end of the year.

ARC CEO Chris Rodwell says the data shows what can be achieved when resources are committed to tackling retail crime. 

“Operation Pulse is proof that when police are properly resourced and highly visible in shopping centres, retail crime drops dramatically. A 73% reduction in stock loss and a 50% drop in serious violent incidents are strong results,” he says. 

“The sheer volume of arrests, charges and weapons seized since December in just a handful of shopping centres also underscores the scale of the problem retailers and frontline workers are facing every day across Victoria.” 

The extension of police and PSO patrols at targeted centres is a welcome step, with the government’s data showing 84% of customers felt safer and 94% of tenants supported extending the program. 

State-wide taskforce needed

Mr Rodwell says while the extension is positive, retail crime isn’t confined to a handful of metropolitan shopping centres. 

“Retail crime is a state-wide problem in Victoria. The scale and persistence of offending – the worst in the country – demands a permanent, state-wide retail crime taskforce with dedicated resources, similar to NSW’s Operation Percentile and South Australia’s Operation Measure,” he says. 

“A permanent taskforce would provide the intelligence sharing and specialist focus required to tackle repeat, high-harm offenders across the entire state.” 

Mr Rodwell reiterates that retail workers continue to experience escalating aggression, theft and organised offending, and that sustained enforcement must be matched by legislative tools that keep staff safe. 

“Workplace Protection Orders are a vital next step. Retail workers deserve the same protections afforded to other frontline professions, and it’s essential the agreed April implementation timeline is met,” he says. 

“Retailers are ready to work with government and Victoria Police to build a coordinated, permanent framework that reduces crime, protects workers and restores confidence for customers across the state.”