NSW has launched a new strategy to help protect workers as retail crime reaches "crisis level"
Repeat offenders of retail crime in New South Wales could be banned from re-entering retail premises under a new NSW Government strategy to crackdown on retail crime and protect retail workers.
Under the NSW Police Force Retail Crime Strategy, individuals convicted of retail crime could be legally barred from re-entering retail premises through Place Restriction Orders.
The initiative comes amid what retailers describe as "crisis-levels" of retail crime, and major investments in technology and security by employers to protect staff from increased levels of abuse and threats of violence.
"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," ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said in a statement.
"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."
NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said no one should be attacked for simply doing their job.
“Violence and aggression towards workers is intolerable and the presence of police tells people in no uncertain terms that this behaviour will not be tolerated and there are real consequences for those who cross the line," she said.
The ban is a response to recidivists in NSW, where 10% of offenders are responsible for around 60% of total harm in retail stores, according to data from Auror, a global software firm that provides retail crime reporting services to retailers and law enforcement.
"It's deeply concerning that a small proportion of offenders are responsible for a significant share of retail crime, with devastating consequences for those affected," said NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon in a statement.
"This strategy outlines clear objectives and a comprehensive suite of tactics to disrupt repeat offending and drive intelligence-led retail operations across the state."
A key element of the strategy is Operation Percentile, which will be rolled out statewide after a successful pilot started in the Central Metropolitan Region in August 2024.
The operation is a policing model that targets repeat offenders and high-harm retail offenders, according to the State Government. It was recognised by the National Retail Association (NRA) for its impact in retail crime prevention.
Meanwhile, the NSW Police Force Retail Crime Strategy will also include high-visibility police operations, including knife scanning operations in retail precincts. It will also include:
- Running intelligence-led retail theft operations to target and disrupt crime.
- Establishing dedicated points of contact within each police region to support faster communication, coordination, and response to incidents.
- Further supporting retailers through educational initiatives, such as the distribution of Retail Safety Packs, along with undertaking Safer by Design site assessments, delivered by local Crime Prevention Officers.
- Developing a communication package for officers to increase frontline police awareness and understanding of retail crime and its impacts.
- Holding monthly meetings with NSW-based retailers to discuss emerging threats and issues raised by peak bodies.
"Police will continue to collaborate closely with retailers and industry bodies to refine our disruption strategies and respond swiftly to emerging threats," Lanyon said.
The new NSW's strategy comes after the state introduced in 2023 tougher laws with penalties and prison time against offenders of retail assaults, threats, and abuse.
Various retailers across Australia have also been taking steps to reduce retail crime and abuse and threats to against staff. Coles rolled out duress pendants and body-worn cameras, while Woolworths installed enhanced CCTV and provided virtual reality training for employees.
According to the NSW Government, since the launch of Operation Percentile in August 2024, 1,080 people have been charged with more than 1,395 offences with an estimated recovered stock value of $960,500.
