Nine out of 10 employers fearing for staff's safety as retail crime rises

Monday, 24 November 2025 15:00

The crimes come at a cost for businesses, with 38 per cent saying they are out of pocket $10,000 a year to cover security expenses and the cost of stolen goods.

A staggering nine out of 10 retail employers in Victoria fear for the safety of their staff.

A new survey from the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has revealed one-in-two businesses have experienced crime every week with theft, customer abuse and vandalism on the rise.

The crimes come at a cost for businesses, with 38 per cent saying they are out of pocket $10,000 a year to cover security expenses and the cost of stolen goods.

A staggering nine out of 10 retail employers in Victoria fear for the safety of their staff.

The survey of about 1400 businesses found an increasing number of staff were taking mental health leave as a result of stress and anxiety.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Sally Curtain said retail crime was a widespread issue across the state.

"Right across every sector and every region, from regional Victoria, metropolitan Melbourne and of course the CBD," Curtain said.

A new survey from the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has revealed one-in-two businesses have experienced crime every week

Master Grocers Association director Lincoln Wymer said retail staff faced abuse on a daily basis.

"Our team members are being abused on a daily basis and it's not just my 20 odd stores," Wymer said.

"Everyday we hear a story of somebody being assaulted."

In a bid to combat retail crime Victoria Police has reportedly signed a landmark deal which will see detectives given instant access to a retailer's CCTV footage.

Big businesses such as Woolworths, Coles and Bunnings already upload CCTV and other crime information to the platform Auror.

Under the new deal, Victoria Police will have direct access to that on request, which will save them hours of work.

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