The nation’s peak body for retail, the Australian Retail Council (ARC), says new figures showing retail theft is the only major crime category rising in NSW reinforces the need to pass Workplace Protection Order legislation as soon as possible.
The latest NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) figures show ‘steal from retail store’ increased 10.4% over the two years to June 2026, while the other 12 major offence categories remained stable.
In the 12 months to June, NSW recorded 32,835 retail theft incidents, equivalent to almost 90 incidents every day.
ARC CEO Chris Rodwell said the trend is highly concerning.
“These figures confirm the experience of our retailers and they are deeply concerning. Retail theft is not only heading in the wrong direction, it is now the outlier,” Mr Rodwell said.
“We know this is not simply about isolated, opportunistic shoplifting. Repeat and organised offenders are responsible for a disproportionate amount of retail crime and harm.
“We also know repeat offenders are much more likely to become violent or threatening. The biggest concern for retailers is not simply the stock walking out the door. It is what can happen when a worker or customer is confronted by one of these criminals.”
ARC estimates retail crime costs NSW $2.8 billion a year.
“Retail theft is not a victimless crime. It affects workers and customers, and there is also a significant cost that ultimately has to be paid,” Mr Rodwell said.
“Retailers can only absorb so much. Some of that cost ultimately ends up in the prices everyone pays at the checkout.”
Mr Rodwell said the figures reinforced the importance of measures targeting repeat offenders, including the NSW Government’s commitment to introduce Workplace Protection Order legislation to Parliament next month.
“Workplace Protection Orders are important because they give retailers another way to protect their people from serious repeat offenders. We’ve made it clear that we want these protections operating as quickly as possible.”
Mr Rodwell also welcomed increased police action against retail offending, with BOCSAR recording a 16.2% rise in adults taken to court for alleged retail theft and a 26.4% increase among young people.
“NSW Police deserve enormous credit for the work they are doing. Along with South Australia, NSW is one of the few states with a dedicated statewide police operation focused specifically on retail crime, with a clear focus on repeat offenders.
“We are seeing more alleged retail offenders being put before the courts, and that police focus is critical.
“The goal now is to turn this trend around. We urge the NSW Parliament to pass Workplace Protection Order legislation as soon as possible.”
About us: Australian Retail Council (ARC) represents a $444 billion sector that employs 1.4 million Australians across metropolitan, regional, and remote communities – making retail the largest private sector employer in the country and a significant contributor to the Australian economy. Our membership spans the full spectrum of Australian retail, from family-owned small and independent retailers that make up 95% of our membership, through to our largest national and international retailers that employ thousands of Australians and support both metropolitan and regional communities every day.
