Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police are cracking down on retail crime, launching a new campaign calling on information from the community to help disrupt offending. 

The ‘Retail Crime Costs Us All’ campaign will see CCTV footage released of some of the state’s worst retail crime repeat offenders, appealing for community information.

Retail crime offending typically involves theft of goods and sometimes violent and aggressive behaviour towards staff and other shoppers, often resulting in thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen items.

Retailers targeted can range from grocery stores and liquor outlets to hardware stores and clothing shops.

Repeat offenders account for nearly 70% of all retail crime incidents, with information from the community vitally important in helping police to detect offenders and disrupt the behaviour.

Chief Executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith, emphasised that retail crime affects everyone. “Retail crime puts frontline workers and the community at risk and fuels further criminal activity.  Everyone deserves to feel safe at work, yet frontline retail workers are routinely facing violence and threatening behaviour while simply doing their jobs.”

In addition to stealing goods, retail crime offenders often come prepared for confrontation, with increased reports of carrying weapons. Assaults linked to theft in retail settings have risen by 12.3% year on year, with assaults on females in a retail setting rising by 65.7% in 2024, highlighting the growing danger faced by frontline workers.

Detective Superintendent Geri Porter states, “Retail crime poses a direct threat to the safety of both workers and shoppers. Victoria Police takes this issue seriously, with over 1,133 offenders arrested in the past month alone (1 – 31 January 2025), and more expected to be held accountable in the coming months. We are working very closely with retailers to address this issue and our priority is to ensure everyone, including workers and shoppers, feel safe when visiting retailers.”

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.

“Information from the community can and does significantly aid in disrupting retail crime and ensuring offenders are held accountable,” Detective Superintendent Porter explains.

Crime Stoppers Victoria makes it easy for the community to report what they know, “Every piece of information can help prevent the next theft or act of violence,” Ms. Smith says. “Sharing what you know with Crime Stoppers is easy.  You can also choose to remain anonymous.”

Learn more about the ‘Retail Crime Costs Us All’ campaign here.

For emergencies or life-threatening situations, always call 000 immediately.

If you have information about retail crime, you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting an online report at crimestoppersvic.com.au