Retail Crime Costs Us All

$70 billion retail industry supports over 300,000 jobs—but repeat offenders are putting workers and shoppers at risk.

Retail crime isn’t just about theft—it often involves violent and aggressive behaviour, with offenders increasingly carrying weapons. These crimes threaten frontline workers, customers, and the wider community.

The community plays a vital role in disrupting this offending. Every piece of information can help prevent the next theft or act of violence.

If you know something, say something. Report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria.

Real People, Real Harm

Recent stats...

Victoria is experiencing a significant rise in retail crime…

Increase in retail crime reported, year-on-year increase between 2023 and 2024.
32.3%
Increase in retail crimes involving repeat offenders and organised crime groups.
70%
Increase in 'Assault with Weapon' offences at retail locations.
29.1%

Think you know the full impact of retail crime?

Sharing Information
With Crime Stoppers Is Easy

Remember: If you know something that doesn’t sit right with you, we’re here to help. Learn more about our reporting process below, or by reading our FAQs.

Repeat Offenders

Repeat offenders account for nearly 70% of all retail crime incidents.

Victorians can play a crucial role in assisting police by providing any information about offenders, including their names, locations they frequent, licence plate details, any information about stolen goods including where they are being held, or information about recipients of stolen goods.

Reporting Retail Crime

We take tips on past crimes and suspicious activity.

You don’t need to have the full picture or be 100% confident in your information.

We’ll pass your tip on to the right people for further investigation.

 When you make a report to us, you don’t have to leave your personal details with us.

Your call isn’t recorded and, if you make a report online, your IP address isn’t stored. 

You are in control of how much information you share with us.

You can leave a tip online at any time, in a matter of minutes.

You can also call through to our call centre on 1800 333 000.

If you choose to remain anonymous, once you’ve left your tip, that’s it.

Retail Crime Resources

This campaign targets repeat offenders involved in organised retail crime, who steal to resell and fund further criminal activity. Our goal is to hold them accountable and protect young retail workers from abuse.

If you’re struggling with the cost of living, support is available. Go to Foodbank and SecondBite if you need assistance.

Crime Stoppers Victoria acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Crime Stoppers Victoria (ABN 15 006 945 151) is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient. Donations of $2 or more to Crime Stoppers Victoria are tax deductible in Australia.
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