Seventy-nine per cent of Victorians are concerned about rising retail crime in the state, new research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) shows.
As retail crime reaches crisis levels, the findings reinforce requests from retailers and unions for the immediate introduction of Workplace Protection Orders, stronger legislation, and a dedicated police taskforce focused on retail crime.
The October 2025 national survey conducted by the ARA and NRA reveals that Victorians expressed the highest level of concern in the country regarding retail crime and the effectiveness of the government’s response. Most respondents consider the State Government and police responsible for protecting retail workers from crime and abuse, with 78 per cent saying they would like increased action from the Victorian Government.
The survey also indicates that over half of Victorians have seen retail crime firsthand, and 73 per cent say it has affected their sense of safety, compared with 66 per cent elsewhere.
There is widespread support for retail worker protections, with 89 per cent agreeing that retail workers should be given the same respect as frontline workers, 90 per cent endorsing workplace protection orders, and 77 per cent supporting a specialised retail crime taskforce.
Additionally, 89 per cent favour tougher penalties for offenders, and 19 per cent of Australians in Victoria show greater concern about crime than residents in other states.
“This issue is not isolated to the one in ten Australians who work directly in retail. Almost two thirds (64 per cent) of Australians have someone close to them working in retail, such as their direct family or close friends, or they work in retail themselves. Further, 88 per cent of Australians visit retail stores for essential needs at least weekly,” said Chris Rodwell, CEO of ARA.
Victoria has the highest level of retail crime and violence in Australia, making up 35 percent of all cases, which is 60 per cent more than any other state. Victoria Police data illustrates 82,152 recorded incidents in 2024, up 27.6 per cent. In the 12 months to June 2025, the number of incidents rose 20 per cent to 99,114.
“The data clearly shows Victoria has become Australia’s retail crime capital and is failing to adequately respond. It remains the only state without strict, proactive legislation on retail crime. Without tougher penalties and stronger police powers to apprehend offenders, incidents will continue to escalate.”
“That’s why retailers are calling for immediate reforms – legislating increased police search powers through initiatives like Jack’s Law. These proven measures are working elsewhere in Australia and must be adopted in Victoria to protect the state’s retail workforce.”
Threatening behaviour went up by 52 per cent and serious incidents grew by 38 per cent, confirming Victoria as the hardest-hit state. Across the country, retail crimes involving weapons climbed 66 per cent year-on-year, signalling escalating risks for frontline staff. Despite these figures, the true extent of the issue is likely greater, as a significant proportion of retail crime remains unreported.
“The safety of our team, customers and suppliers is our number one priority that’s why we’ve joined the ARA and other retailers in calling for urgent action and reforms to protect retail workers and restore safety in retail settings,” said Damian Zahra, Chief People Officer at Bunnings.
“We’ve got team members who are starting out in their first job through to those transitioning to retirement, and they deserve to show up to work every day and focus on delivering the best experience for our customer, not having weapons pulled on them.”
“Violence and aggression are rising across the country, but Victoria accounts for more than 40 per cent of all our reported cases – we need this to change. For Woolworths, this is a national issue. We’ve seen great steps taken by the ACT, NSW and SA with these laws, and we strongly encourage Workplace Protection Orders to be implemented in all other states and territories, particularly Victoria, as soon as possible,” said Sarah Gooding, State Director Operations – VIC/TAS at Woolworths.
Read more: ARA welcomes NSW Police Retail Crime Strategy
Read more: Retail crime in Victoria surges 20 per cent