At Mecca in Melbourne’s bustling CBD, shoppers are greeted by numerous staff members and discreet security personnel. Despite these precautions, the beauty chain was not spared from the record levels of theft and violence that swept through Victorian retail in 2025. In a brazen incident, Mecca’s South Yarra store was ram-raided by a white van in September, highlighting the pervasive crime wave affecting the region.
Victoria, home to 360,000 retail workers, witnessed a series of alarming events last year, from a stolen car racing through Northland shopping centre to machete fights and police chases in the CBD. A particularly shocking incident occurred on December 17 when Woolworths Mordialloc went into lockdown after about 100 people stormed the store, causing chaos and destruction.
Retailers’ Response to the Crime Surge
The surge in crime has forced retailers to adopt various strategies to safeguard their businesses and employees. Measures include removing knives from stores, equipping staff with body-worn cameras, enhancing CCTV systems, and repositioning registers. Additionally, security guards are being deployed, desirable products are placed out of public reach, and more employees are stationed around high-theft items.
Chris Rodwell, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, emphasized the importance of staff training in de-escalation and early intervention. “These efforts are crucial in preventing incidents from escalating and reducing risks for both workers and customers,” he stated.
Technological Innovations in Crime Prevention
Retailers are also exploring advanced technological solutions to combat theft. Highpoint shopping centre in Maribyrnong, a known crime hot spot, hosts Coles’ “loss innovation store,” which features cutting-edge anti-theft technology like weighted shelves and remotely unlocked cabinets. This technology is gradually being implemented in other stores based on necessity.
- Skip scan: Detects mis-scans at self-service registers
- Produce recognition: AI suggests likely produce items to speed up checkout
- Bottom of trolley detection: Identifies bulk items to prevent lifting during checkout
- Move alert: Sensors that deter theft
- Weighted shelves: Trial technology to detect and deter theft
- Availability cabinets: Remotely unlocked cabinets for high-value items
Government and Law Enforcement Initiatives
In response to the crime surge, the Victorian Labor government has enacted legislation to curb violence against retail workers, with penalties ranging from six months to five years in prison. However, Sarah Gooding, operations director for Victoria and Tasmania at Woolworths, urged the government to expedite the banning of repeat offenders from stores. “Our team’s safety is non-negotiable, and we’ll continue standing up for that,” she asserted.
Meanwhile, police and protective service officers are actively patrolling key areas such as Northland, Highpoint, Eastland Ringwood, and Fountain Gate. Their efforts have led to the seizure of weapons and the arrest of over 100 individuals.
Community and Industry Efforts
Industry groups, including the Australian Retail Association, are investing $7 million in advertising campaigns to promote respectful behavior towards staff. The Shopping Centre Council noted that a similar campaign had positively impacted customer behavior during the last festive season.
Economic Factors and Future Outlook
Retail expert Trent Rigby highlighted the economic pressures contributing to the crime wave. “Unemployment has ticked up, household costs remain high, and expectations around rate cuts have shifted,” he explained. These factors, coupled with the rise of self-checkouts, have exacerbated theft issues.
Rigby also pointed out that changes in store layout and product visibility could mitigate theft without alienating customers. “Kmart, for instance, is reconsidering its register placement strategy following customer feedback,” he noted.
As Melbourne’s retailers continue to adapt to these challenges, the battle against crime remains an ongoing struggle. With economic conditions uncertain, the retail sector must remain vigilant and innovative in its approach to security and customer service.
