Retail crimes involving weapons surged by 66 per cent in Australia in 2024, according to data from intelligence platform Auror.
The report showed that retail crimes involving knives and blades increased by 40 per cent nationwide compared to the previous year. Serious incidents rose by 30 per cent, while threatening events climbed by 39 per cent.
Victoria recorded the largest spike in both serious and threatening incidents, with increases of 38 per cent and 52 per cent, respectively.
Auror highlighted that 10 per cent of offenders were responsible for over 60 per cent of total retail-related harm and losses.
“Police do an incredible job keeping us all safe and there is no substitute for the hands-on work they do in our community, but crime in retail is such a high-volume crime type that it’s impossible to address it all,” said Nick McDonnell, senior director of trust and safety at Auror.
“However, focusing on repeat offenders causing the majority of the high-volume, high-harm offences is critical – and you can only do that if you have visibility to the total problem.”
The National Retail Association (NRA) and the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) are urging policymakers to prioritise action against retail crime.
“Governments need to give retailers and police the right tools, whether that be funding, policy changes or even just political leadership, to effectively address this growing trend of violence in retail, and so repeat offenders can be identified and brought to justice,” said Lindsay Carroll, NRA interim CEO.
“Unfortunately, we’re continuing to see an increase in retail crime and aggressive behaviour across the country, particularly in Victoria; and we remain focused on the need for the government to implement proven measures that improve the safety of retail workers,” said Fleur Brown, ARA chief industry affairs officer.