Retail crime is on the rise, costing businesses millions, endangering workers, and fuelling other criminal activities.
Nearly 70% of retail theft in Victoria is committed by repeat offenders, many operating within well-organised networks. These groups steal strategically, reselling stolen goods for profit and often funding broader criminal enterprises.
Unlike opportunistic shoplifters…
Organised Retail Crime groups operate strategically, employing coordinated tactics to steal and distribute stolen goods for profit. Offenders often have defined roles within these groups, including distraction, theft, and transportation of stolen goods. Many repeat offenders also move between multiple locations.
The journey of stolen goods extends far beyond the store exit.
Organised crime groups use various channels to distribute stolen merchandise, including:
- Black Market Resellers – Items are quickly sold through online marketplaces, social media platforms, second-hand stores, or underground trade networks, making it difficult to track the stolen merchandise.
- Cash-for-Goods Operations – Stolen goods are exchanged for quick cash through pawnshops, markets, or small businesses.
- Overseas Markets – High-value stolen items such as electronics, designer clothing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals are sometimes smuggled out of Australia, making recovery extremely challenging.
- Bartering for Drugs or Weapons – Organised crime networks often use stolen goods as a form of currency, trading merchandise for illicit goods such as drugs or weapons.
- Local Resale Through Informal Networks – Some stolen goods are sold through informal community networks, including word-of-mouth deals or pop-up market stalls, where buyers may not question the origins of low-priced items.
Understanding these pathways is critical to disrupting these criminal networks and protecting businesses and communities.
Organised Retail Crime is not just about theft…
It poses a direct and increasing threat to worker and shopper safety. Repeat offenders engaged in retail crime are becoming more brazen and violent. Recent reports indicate a rise in offenders carrying weapons, putting frontline workers and shoppers at serious risk. In 2024, assaults linked to retail theft rose by 9.2%, with women disproportionately affected—assaults on female retail workers surged by a staggering 65.7%.
Fighting Organised Retail Crime requires a united effort.
The Victorian community can play a crucial role in helping law enforcement by reporting key details about offenders, including:
- Names or physical descriptions of suspects
- Vehicle licence plate details
- Locations where stolen goods are stored or sold
- Information about individuals receiving stolen goods
Even small details can make a significant difference in tracking down offenders and disrupting these criminal networks.
Crime Stoppers Victoria offers a safe and anonymous way for the community to report information about retail crime. You don’t need to leave your name or personal details; you can remain anonymous.
Ways to report:
- Call 1800 333 000
- Visit Crime Stoppers Victoria
If you witness a crime in progress or are in immediate danger, always call 000.
Retail crime affects us all, but with the help of the community, we can hold offenders accountable and make the retail sector safer for both workers and shoppers.
- If it is an emergency, or you need immediate police or medical assistance, please call 000!
Retail Crime Resources
The ‘Retail Crime Costs Us All’ 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.
