Rise in Shoplifting in Victoria: Top Stolen Goods Unveiled
Protecting Retail Stores from Burglary and Shoplifting: Practical Steps for Victorian Business Owners
In the face of a rising trend in retail crime and violence, retailers and small business owners in Victoria are urged to take proactive measures to safeguard their stores. According to recent statistics, there were 5,245 breaking and entering/burglary offences targeting retailers in the year ending September 2023, marking a 28.2 percent increase from 2022 [1].
To combat this surge, a combination of enhanced security measures, technology, and collaboration with law enforcement is essential. Here are some key practical steps to help protect your store:
- Install Advanced Security Technology: Consider investing in CCTV systems, alarm monitoring, and even emerging tools such as facial recognition (where permitted and ethical). These technologies can provide an extra layer of security and aid in deterring criminal activity [3].
- Strengthen Physical Store Security: Secure display cases, anti-theft tags, and controlled store access points can help deter theft. Keeping the exterior well-lit and using motion sensor lights inside can also be effective [3].
- Train Staff: Equip your team with the knowledge to detect theft, handle aggressive behaviour, and report incidents to the police. Gordon recommends developing and regularly practising an emergency response plan, including actions to take in the event of theft [3].
- Collaborate with Authorities: Work closely with local police and retail associations like the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Shop Distributive Alliance (SDA) to stay informed on crime trends and support efforts to prosecute offenders [3].
- Participate in Crime Symposiums: Align on best practices and policy advocacy by attending crime symposiums or forums [3].
- Clear Policies and Signage: Ensure your store has clear policies and signage that deter theft and inform customers of the consequences [3].
- Neighbourhood Watch: Establish connections with neighbouring businesses, create communication channels, and consider forming a Neighbourhood Watch Business Group [3].
- Insurance Cover: Ensure your business has insurance cover suitable for retailers, which can help cover a shop in case of theft of stock, contents, equipment, and cash on premises [3].
- Communicate Deterrents: Clearly state that no cash is on the premises and indicate the presence of security systems to deter thieves [3].
- Optional Covers: Consider optional covers tailored to businesses, such as additional cover for portable property including business mobile phones and laptops, to help protect against financial loss [3].
In addition to these measures, it's important to have a well-defined emergency response plan in case of theft or security breaches [2]. By adopting these strategies, retailers can effectively protect their stores in the current economic climate. While identity theft and online fraud are also concerns, primary focus for physical stores should remain on physical security measures and working with law enforcement to address retail crime directly.
[1] Retail Crime and Violence: Victorian Retailers Call for Tougher Laws and More Police Resources, The Age, 2023. [2] Retail Crime: A Guide for Retailers, Victorian Police, 2023. [3] Retail Crime Prevention: A Retailer's Guide, Australian Retailers Association, 2023.
- In the general-news sector, discussions about rising retail crime rates have prompted a call for businesses to bolster their security measures by embracing advanced finance technologies like CCTV systems, alarm monitoring, and facial recognition.
- A significant concern for law enforcement agencies in the crime-and-justice category is the surge in retail crime, making it crucial for businesses to work collaboratively with them to gather insights on crime trends and enhance security.
