Australia’s Retail Theft Crisis Facts, Figures & What You Can Do Next

Retailers across Australia are facing a significant surge in theft and related crime, with both incident rates and financial losses climbing sharply. From supermarkets to hardware stores, frontline staff and store owners are feeling the effects, and it’s reshaping how retailers think about safety, loss prevention, and customer experience.

The numbers: theft incidents at a 21-year high

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), theft incidents in 2024 reached the highest level in 21 years, with 595,660 victims of theft nationally — up 6 % on the prior year. Strikingly, almost half (45%) of those incidents occurred in retail settings, making stores the most frequent target of theft and related crimes.

Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

How much have retailers lost to theft?

Beyond the number of incidents, the financial toll on Australian retailers is now measured in the billions. The 2024 ANZ Retail Crime Study, led by Griffith University, found that retail crime cost the sector approximately A$7.79 billion in the 2023-24 financial year.

Industry reporting on the ARA Retail Insights Report 2025 backs this number up and highlights how rapidly this cost has grown. The study concluded that retail crime losses increased by around 40 % in just two years, underscoring how quickly the challenge has escalated for businesses large and small.

Why is retail crime increasing?

Experts point to several factors driving this rise:

• Cost-of-living and economic pressures are shaping consumer behaviour and, in some cases, lowering the perceived barriers to theft. Research by Monash University suggests that a notable number of people now view certain theft behaviours as more justifiable under financial strain.
• Opportunistic and organised theft tactics — from “swarming” shoplifting to repeat offenders — are becoming more common, and self-checkout systems have at times been exploited to conceal items.
• Retailers themselves report that the most significant driver of loss is still customer theft, accounting for the vast majority of external loss, but internal theft and fraud also contribute significantly to the total figure.

Violence and aggression on the rise

The impact of retail crime extends beyond merchandise loss. Reports from major Australian retail groups and media coverage show increases in threatening and violent incidents toward staff. During a recent annual general meeting, executives noted that customer-related threatening incidents rose sharply, with a notable increase in serious threats at stores like Bunnings and Kmart.

These realities underscore that retail crime isn’t just about shrinkage anymore. It’s about protecting people as much as property.

Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

Real stories from the frontlines

Incidents reported in mainstream media put faces and details behind the figures. In one case reported in Victoria, three individuals were arrested for a supermarket theft spree worth an estimated $90,000, including alleged threats or violent behaviour toward store staff during several theft attempts.

Supermarkets like Coles have publicly stated that Victoria’s crime environment is especially challenging, with a significant share of national theft incidents attributed to alleged weak consequences for offenders and elevated organised crime activity.

How retailers are responding to rises in theft

In response to the surge in theft and related threats, many retailers are innovating their security approaches. From facial recognition systems to sophisticated loss-prevention technology, the industry is rapidly evolving its tactics — though this sometimes draws debate around customer experience and privacy.

These measures are part of a broader shift: security is no longer just a back-of-store concern. It’s central to retail strategy, customer trust, and community safety.

Prevent retail theft in you stores with EXEC Security

Given the scale and complexity of retail crime in Australia, it’s essential that retail businesses, from national chains to independent stores, take a proactive stance on security. Whether that’s investing in dedicated loss prevention staff, increased security guard force, modern surveillance and detection systems, or comprehensive staff safety training, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

To learn more about protecting your store, safeguarding your team, and reducing shrinkage, visit our retail security page:

Protect Your Retail Store with EXEC Security