Melbourne, Australia — Amid a significant rise in crime, one of the country’s largest retailers is contemplating potential store closures and relocations. Victoria has experienced a stark increase in violent crime, particularly in 2025, prompting concerns among business leaders about the safety and sustainability of operations in certain suburbs.
Fred Harrison, CEO of Ritchies IGA, stated that incidents of aggression and theft have surged to daily occurrences, intensifying the pressure on store management. With 52 of its 85 locations situated in Victoria, Harrison noted that the region appears to be at the epicenter of these issues. “We are seriously reconsidering whether it is feasible to stay in areas where these incidents are prevalent,” he said.
In addition to Ritchies IGA, other major retailers, including Woolworths and Bunnings, have reported that staff face escalating aggression, often involving individuals armed with weapons. Harrison described the situation as reaching “crisis point,” raising questions about the profitability and safety of continuing business as usual. He emphasized that the theft and violence not only threaten employees but also impact the financial viability of the stores.
The Australian Retailers Association highlighted that retail crime is becoming increasingly severe. Their comparative data indicates that a small fraction of stores emerges as hotspots for theft, with nearly half of all retail loss occurring in roughly 10% of stores. Professor Michael Townsley, a criminologist, pointed out that if these crime trends persist, business closures are inevitable for those unable to control the losses.
Recent statistics show a troubling trend. Over the past year, Victoria Police recorded approximately 627,268 criminal offenses, marking a 17.1% increase from the previous year. The rise in violent crime among youths is particularly concerning, with young offenders making up a disproportionate number of violent crimes such as robberies and burglaries.
Police enforcement efforts have intensified. Recently, authorities arrested 19 individuals accused of executing a coordinated shoplifting scheme, which resulted in the theft of over $10 million in goods from local supermarkets. This organized theft targeting essential items, such as baby formula and personal care products, underscores the escalating criminal threats retailers face.
As retailers strive to combat these alarming trends, Bunnings is exploring the implementation of advanced security measures, including the potential use of facial recognition technology. Managing Director Michael Schneider emphasized that enhancing safety for both employees and customers is crucial. “No one should experience violence or threats while going about their daily activities,” he remarked.
The issue of retail crime extends beyond Victoria, affecting regions across Australia. Reports indicate that New South Wales and Queensland have seen alarming surges in both threatening behavior and violence in retail settings. National statistics reveal the highest levels of theft in over two decades, spotlighting the increasing risks encountered by frontline retail workers.
With crime rates climbing and business conditions deteriorating, the retail landscape in Australia is undergoing significant challenges. As companies grapple with these issues, the future of shopping in affected areas remains uncertain.