Spike in Retail Larceny in Victoria: Items Most Frequently Swiped Uncovered
In the ever-evolving landscape of retail businesses, securing one's premises against theft and burglary has become a top priority. According to Crime Statistics Victoria and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria, effective proactive security measures involve a combination of community involvement, tailored home/business security improvements, and close cooperation with local police.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Joining Neighbourhood Watch programs is a vital step in becoming part of community crime prevention efforts. By knowing your neighbours and recognising strangers, you can help in the early detection of suspicious activities. Neighbourhood Watch also provides access to police updates and quality local crime information, fostering vigilance and rapid response. Encourage neighbours or trusted community members to help maintain the appearance of occupancy when the premises are unattended, such as collecting mail, taking out bins, maintaining lawns, or parking cars in the driveway [1].
Customized Crime Prevention Assessment
To identify specific weak spots in your retail business premises, use resources like the “How Safe Is My Place” website and app recommended by Neighbourhood Watch. This will help you gain tailored advice on improving physical security, such as reinforcing locks, lighting, and surveillance systems [1].
Collaboration with Victoria Police
Maintaining open communication channels with local law enforcement is essential for reporting non-urgent crimes and receiving crime prevention advice. Victoria Police encourages public reporting and community updates to build safer environments [3].
Participate in Industry and Government Initiatives
Attend retail crime symposiums such as the ARA x NRA Retail Crime Symposium to learn from experts and peers about cutting-edge strategies, technologies, and real-world solutions to reduce retail crime, including organized retail crime, cyber threats, and loss prevention [2].
Physical Security Measures
In addition to the above measures, common proactive steps include installing security cameras, adequate lighting, alarm systems, secure display cases, and employee training on theft prevention tactics. While specific measures from the provided results are limited, these steps align with community advice [1].
Enhancing Business Community Security
Establishing connections with neighbouring businesses, creating communication channels, and forming a Neighbourhood Watch Business Group can help enhance the overall security of the business community [1].
Emergency Response Plan
Training staff to develop and regularly practise an emergency response plan is recommended. This plan should include knowing what to say or do in the event of a break-in or other form of contact with a burglar, and who to contact in the aftermath, including store owners and relevant business insurance contacts [1].
Optional Covers for Businesses
Consider optional covers tailored to businesses, such as additional cover for portable property including business mobile phones and laptops, to help protect against financial loss [1].
Reducing Opportunities for Theft
Ensure you remove valuables from view (such as jewellery or expensive liquor) to deter opportunistic break-ins. Additionally, clearly indicating the presence of security systems can help deter thieves [1].
In summary, a holistic approach combining tailored physical security upgrades, active community surveillance programs like Neighbourhood Watch, engagement with local police, and ongoing education through retail crime forums constitutes effective proactive security measures recommended for retail businesses to prevent shoplifting and burglary in Victoria. The year ending September 2023 saw a 28.2 percent increase in breaking and entering/burglary offences targeting retailers, emphasising the need for these measures [4]. By implementing these strategies, retail businesses can significantly reduce their risk of becoming victims of theft and burglary.
[1] Neighbourhood Watch Victoria. (n.d.). Retail Security. Retrieved from https://www.neighbourhoodwatch.org.au/retail-security/ [2] ARA. (n.d.). Retail Crime Symposium. Retrieved from https://www.retail.org.au/events/retail-crime-symposium [3] Victoria Police. (n.d.). Contact Us. Retrieved from https://www.police.vic.gov.au/contact-us [4] Crime Statistics Victoria. (2023). Breaking and Entering/Burglary Offences - Retail. Retrieved from https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/crime-statistics/crime-statistics-by-crime/property-crime/breaking-and-entering-burglary-offences-retail/2023
- Engaging in Neighbourhood Watch programs and collaborating with local police are essential steps in community crime prevention efforts, particularly in the retail industry, as they foster vigilance and rapid response, and provide access to quality local crime information [1].
- A proactive strategy for the finance sector could involve identifying weak points in a business premises through resources like the “How Safe Is My Place” website and app, followed by implementing tailored measures such as reinforcing locks, lighting, and surveillance systems [1].
- In the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors, it's important to keep an eye on crime statistics and trends, as understanding the increase in breaking and entering/burglary offences targeting retailers, as seen in Victoria, can help inform strategic security planning [4].
