Retail Industry Demands Stronger Regulations Following Recent Shopping Centre Violence
Following a string of significant incidents at major Australian shopping centers this year, including the Bondi Westfields attack, the retail industry is calling for stricter laws to prevent crime.
The industry is alarmed by the rise in violence, crime rings, and cyber attacks targeting retail stores nationwide.
The peak retail bodies are pushing for improved relationships between the retail sector and law enforcement, enhanced information sharing, and stricter laws and deterrents for criminals.
Furthermore, they stress the importance of addressing the personal impact of retail crime and increasing the use of technology.
This initiative follows several major incidents at Australian shopping centers in 2024, involving individuals carrying knives.
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The CEO of the Australian Retail Association, Paul Zahra, characterized retail crime as the industry’s top concern.
“Retail crime has severe consequences for businesses and their employees. It’s a complex issue with cyber-attacks becoming more sophisticated, organized crime rings targeting retail stores, and violent incidents that are emotionally taxing for frontline workers,” he stated.
“This issue keeps our retail leaders up at night as they worry about the safety of their staff.”
Mr. Zahra highlighted that while progress has been made in providing legal protections for frontline workers, consistency is lacking across Australia.
New laws have been enacted in South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, with legislation also being developed in Tasmania and introduced in Victoria.
“Coverage is not yet universal across Australia. We must continue advocating for these laws because such aggressive behavior is unacceptable in any workplace and should not be tolerated by retail workers,” he emphasized.
The legislation introduces three new offenses under the Crimes Act 1900, making it illegal to assault, throw objects, stalk, harass, or intimidate a retail worker while on duty, even without causing physical harm.
Police Need More Resources: National Retail Association
Lindsay Carroll, acting CEO of the National Retail Association, pointed out that research demonstrates that stricter laws lead to safer working and shopping environments.
“However, law enforcement requires additional resources to effectively deal with aggressive individuals, and retailers must increase reporting of such incidents to the police,” she noted.
“Our sector has been collaborating with landlords, experts, government, and unions to assist affected businesses and support the outstanding work of law enforcement nationwide.”
On July 18, industry experts convened in Melbourne for a Retail Crime Symposium to address retail crime, worker assaults, and organized crime in physical and online retail spaces.
Ms. Carroll stressed the urgency for governments, law enforcement, and retailers to tackle an issue that is impacting the economy, consumers, and business owners.
She expressed optimism that the symposium would pave the way for action, ensuring that data and reporting mechanisms accurately reflect the increased rates of aggressive behavior.
“The 2024 Retail Crime Symposium provides an opportunity for united action against the key issues facing our sector currently, including the requisite to address the conduct of aggressive individuals and show that there are repercussions for their actions,” Ms. Carroll remarked.
Melbourne Shopping Centre Faces ‘Machete’ Threat
Recently, Victorian Police arrested a man following an alleged assault at a shopping center in Frankston on July 16. Another alleged offender fled the scene.
Three victims sustained minor injuries, according to the police, but did not require treatment.
“During the incident, one boy reportedly wielded an edged weapon, cut his hand, and then fled the scene on foot.”
Several staff members voiced concerns about their safety post-incident, noting a rise in crime over the past year.
