ARA welcomes NSW Police Retail Crime Strategy

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s launch of the NSW Police Force Retail Crime Strategy, describing it as a “great example” of how collaboration between industry and government can deliver real results for worker safety and crime prevention.

The new statewide strategy aims to tackle retail crime and protect workers through a series of intelligence-led operations, stronger legislation, and closer coordination between police, retailers, and industry groups. Its centrepiece, Operation Percentile, targets recidivist offenders and high-harm retail crime and will now expand across New South Wales following its 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,” Chris Rodwell, ARA CEO, said.

“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.”

Rodwell said retail crime has reached crisis levels across Australia, costing businesses an estimated $9 billion annually and impacting workers and customers alike.

“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 said.

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

The ARA and National Retail Association (NRA) are calling for every state and territory to follow New South Wales’ lead, urging the introduction of dedicated police retail crime units nationwide.

“Victoria is the worst affected state when it comes to retail crime and yet the least active on a legislative front. We urgently need to see the Victorian government act to address the mounting crime issues within the state,” Rodwell said.

The NSW Police Force Retail Crime Strategy, developed in consultation with the ARA, NRA, Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA), and the Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA), outlines a comprehensive approach to tackling theft, violence, and repeat offending.

Key initiatives include high-visibility policing operations, knife scanning in retail precincts, improved coordination between police and retailers, and educational efforts such as Retail Safety Packs and Safer by Design assessments.

Since its pilot launch in August 2024, Operation Percentile has resulted in 1,080 arrests and over 1,395 charges, with recovered stock valued at approximately $960,500. The operation has been formally recognised by the NRA for excellence in law enforcement and crime prevention.

“No one should be attacked for simply doing their job which is why the NSW Police, backed by the Minns Government, is taking decisive action by giving police everything they need to keep the community safe,” Yasmin Catley, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, said.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the new approach recognises that “a small proportion of offenders are responsible for a significant share of retail crime,” adding that police will continue to collaborate with retailers to “refine disruption strategies and respond swiftly to emerging threats.”

The ARA and NRA continue to advocate for national alignment on retail crime measures, including best-practice protective legislation such as Workplace Protection Orders and Jack’s Law, and greater use of technology like facial recognition to support police investigations and reduce the burden on retail teams.

“People should feel safe when they go to work or head to the shops,” Rodwell said. “That’s why we’re committed to working with NSW Police and communities across the state to reduce retail crime and improve the safety of every person working in retail.”