The National Retail Association (NRA), the Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) and the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), are gearing up for another year of working collaboratively on retail crime issues and are open to welcoming new members and attendees.

The NRA’s Retail Crime Committee is a longstanding forum which engages closely with Police Forces across the country, retailers and landlords, and key stakeholders such as the Shop Assistants’ Union (SDA), to discuss and resolve retail crime issues, including policy and operational issues, through a collaborative partnership.

Sadly, incidences of retail crime – whether they be opportunistic retail theft, violent behaviour, or organised crime – have been increasing with significant business and community impacts.

In their 2023 wrap-up, the following issues were raised by the industry:

• Youth crime, particularly recidivist offenders

• The increasing prevalence of violent behaviour being associated with retail theft

• Verbal abuse and intimidating and aggressive behaviour towards retail staff and security guards

• The increased use of weapons in violence and intimidation

• Organised retail crime.

In locking in their 2024 calendar, the NRA’s Retail Crime Committee meetings will be held across all jurisdictions.

This year, new retail groups participating will include the Retail Drinks Association and the Franchise Council of Australia. The SCCA, NRA and AACS are inviting new members to participate.

Lindsay Carroll, Acting Chief Executive Officer, NRA

Lindsay Carroll, Acting Chief Executive Officer, NRA said: “Our Retail Crime Committee continues to be the key vehicle where the industry can raise concerns directly with police to ensure they get addressed.

“We’re the only industry forum that has the close engagement of major landlords, along with bringing together other key groups such as the AACS, Franchise Council and Retail Drinks Australia.

“2024 is shaping up to be a big year, and we welcome interest in joining the Committee.”

Theo Foukkare, Chief Executive Officer of the AACS

Theo Foukkare, Chief Executive Officer of the AACS said: “Our industry had a tough year in 2023 with escalating criminal behaviour, so it’s all the more critical that the industry works collaboratively and in partnership with various Governments and Police Forces to resolve this pressing problem.”

Angus Nardi, Chief Executive of the SCCA said: “We have a history of longstanding engagement on community safety and crime issues, but unfortunately, we’re seeing drastic increases in both the scale and nature of retail crime in recent years. The NRA’s Retail Crime Committee is the only retailer-forum we’ll engage with given its effectiveness, and willingness and capacity to collaborate.”

Angus Nardi, Chief Executive of the SCCA

All groups acknowledged and thanked Australia’s Police Services: “We thank police representatives for their ongoing engagement and collaboration with the NRA’s Retail Crime Committee and look forward to continuing our valuable partnership.

“We also recognise police officers that go to work everyday to protect and support the community and face dangers in their daily activities.”