The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) welcome the launch the NSW Police Force Retail Crime Strategy to tackle retail crime and keep communities safe across the state.

Operation Percentile, a policing model targeting recidivist offending and high-harm retail offenders, is a key element of the strategy and will be rolled out statewide following success in the central metropolitan region.

“We applaud the state’s genuine leadership in addressing the devastating impacts of retail crime – first with toughened legislation, and now with its strengthened commitment to police resourcing and the apprehension of repeat offenders,” says ARA CEO Chris Rodwell.

“We consulted extensively with the NSW government, including direct discussions with the Premier. While there’s no single solution to this ongoing challenge, this strategy is a great example of what can be achieved by listening and collaborating with industry.”

Retail crime at ‘crisis level’

Mr Rodwell says, unfortunately, retail crime is at a “crisis level” across Australia, with a ripple effect on every retail worker, business owner and retail customer.

“Too often our front-line workers bear the brunt of this crime wave with unacceptable levels of customer aggression, abuse, assault and weapon-related threats and attacks,” he says.

“By conservative estimates, retail theft costs retailers $9 billion every year. Every customer faces the impact of that because it ultimately leads to increased prices at the check-out.

“We know through Auror data that 10% of offenders are responsible for around 60% of total harm, which is why the emphasis on repeat offenders is strongly welcomed in today’s announcements.

“There is no single solution to this ongoing challenge, but this latest action by the NSW government and NSW Police is a great example of what can be achieved by listening and collaborating with retailers. We are committed to working with them and communities across the state to reduce retail crime and improve the safety of every person working in retail.”

A call to action

Mr Rodwell says the ARA and NRA call on every state and territory to follow the lead of NSW, South Australia and the ACT with the introduction of a dedicated police retail crime unit.

“Victoria is the worst affected state when it comes to retail crime and yet the least active on a legislative front,” he says.

“We urgently need to see the Victorian government act to address the mounting crime issues within the state.”

The ARA and NRA are also calling for adoption of best-practice protective legislation including Workplace Protection Orders, Jack’s Law, and the use of innovative technology – like facial recognition technology – to reduce the burden on retail teams and improve communication with police.