Threats against Victorian retail workers continue to rise as retailers wait for promised protections

New Crime Statistics Agency figures show threats, harassment and intimidation directed at Victorian retail workers continue to rise, reinforcing the urgent need for the introduction of Workplace Protection Orders promised by the Victorian Government. 

While the data shows overall criminal incidents at Victorian retail locations fell 5.7 per cent over the past year, incidents involving stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour increased 10.1 per cent over the same period, rising from 414 to 456 incidents. 

Since 2022, incidents involving stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour at retail locations have increased a staggering 34.9 per cent. There were also 4,823 assault and related offences recorded at Victorian retail locations in the year ending March 2026. 

Australian Retail Council CEO Chris Rodwell said the figures show targeted policing efforts are having an impact, but worker safety remains a serious concern. 

“Victoria has unfortunately been the national hotspot for retail crime for a number of years which is why we are so focused on government and police action to protect retail workers and customers,” Mr Rodwell said. 

“Threats and intimidation against retail workers are rising – off a deplorably high base – and that’s unacceptable. Threatening behaviour against retail workers increased more than 10 per cent over the past year and has risen almost 35 per cent since 2022. 

“Nearly 5,000 assault and related offences were recorded in Victorian retail stores and shopping centres in one year. That’s abhorrent. It’s obvious more needs to be done. 

“These are exactly the types of incidents Workplace Protection Orders were designed to address.” 

Mr Rodwell said the figures reinforced the need for the Victorian Government to urgently deliver Workplace Protection Orders, which were originally expected to be introduced by April. 

“The Government recognised there was a problem. That’s why it committed to Workplace Protection Orders and promised the legislation would be introduced by April. Retail workers in Victoria will now need to wait another month before the next opportunity to introduce this legislation to Parliament. Every day that passes leaves retail workers exposed. 

“Retail workers are still being threatened, intimidated and assaulted while simply doing their jobs. No one should accept violence and intimidation as part of coming to work. At a time when retailers are facing a world of other business challenges, this remains their number one concern. It’s unsustainable.” 

Mr Rodwell said successful Workplace Protection Order models were already operating in other jurisdictions. 

“We are seeing Workplace Protection Orders work in South Australia and the ACT. We’ve seen the value of interim orders that can immediately protect workers from repeat offenders while longer-term orders are considered. Retail workers are facing threats, abuse and violence every single day. They’ve waited long enough.” 

Mr Rodwell said Victoria should now follow the lead of New South Wales and South Australia and establish a permanent statewide retail crime response. 

“It’s clear initiatives such as Operation Pulse and increased police and PSO patrols at high-risk shopping centres are making a difference. We thank Victoria Police for their efforts, but the job is far from done. Retail crime remains a daily reality for retailers across Victoria and the state needs a permanent, statewide retail crime taskforce to match the scale of the challenge.” 

While recorded theft and related offences fell 10.2 per cent, from 52,269 to 46,948 incidents, this trend is not uniform. Many retailers continue to experience increased theft across their stores in Victoria.  

Statement attributable to Chris McKellar, Coles State General Manager: 

“Sadly, our Victorian team continue to face unacceptable levels of abuse, aggression and threatening behaviour. This is deeply concerning and reinforces the need for Workplace Protection Orders to be implemented immediately, following states like SA and ACT who have already take this decisive action. 

“Coles has continued to invest significantly in safety technology, security guards and team member training, but retailers cannot solve this issue alone. We will continue to work constructively with government, police and industry partners to create safer retail environments across Victoria and nationally.” 

Statement attributed to Sarah Faorlin, Woolworths’ Head of Violence Prevention: 

“Increased levels of violence and aggression directed towards our team members have not slowed, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to make their workplace safer. 

“It’s disappointing that Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) are not yet standard legislation across the country despite our continued advocacy for more than two years. 

“These orders are a proven tool that reduces harm against our team members, shown by a 92% reduction in reoffending among repeat offenders in the ACT. 

“We thank the ACT and SA Governments for sending a clear message that violence and aggression against retail workers will not be tolerated.”