NSW Police prosecutors will be given the power to apply to prevent serial and violent thieves from re-entering stores as part of a suite of new measures unveiled by the NSW government aimed at combating retail crime. It follows months of mounting alarm about the heightened number of abusive and violent incidents that threaten staff and customers across the country.
As part of the new NSW Police Force retail crime strategy, NSW Police will coordinate more knife-scanning in shopping centres, run more operations to disrupt retail crime and set up dedicated points of contact in each police precinct for faster communication and response.
NSW Police will also provide further support to retailers by distributing safety packs, undertaking site assessments and holding monthly meetings with them to discuss threats.
More than $9 billion worth of goods are stolen in Australia every year, with about 10 per cent of offenders responsible for 60 per cent of total harm. Two-thirds of the 800,000 incidents lodged last year involved a weapon of some kind.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley.Credit: Wolter Peeters
NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the Minns government was giving NSW Police “everything they need” to keep people safe quickly and effectively.
“The presence of police tells people in no uncertain terms that this behaviour will not be tolerated and there are real consequences for those who cross the line,” she said.
The Australian Retailers Association has embraced the NSW government’s strategy, which was developed in consultation with the retail industry.
“We applaud the state’s genuine leadership in addressing the devastating impacts of retail crime – first with toughened legislation, and now with its strengthened commitment to police resourcing and the apprehension of repeat offenders,” said ARA chief executive Chris Rodwell.
Victoria, the retail crime capital, has yet to introduce legislation to combat the issue. In late August, nearly two dozen retail CEOs penned an open letter to Premier Jacinta Allan asking her to implement urgent reforms.