Crime statistics document more than 16,000 instances of shoplifting in Western Australia during the last half of 2023, showing a vastly increasing trend.
Between August 2022 and August 2023, retail theft incidents in WA skyrocketed by 40 per cent, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to tackle the issue.
Natalie Gately, an Associate Professor in Criminology at ECU said theft crimes have recently shifted towards shoplifting because it is “easy” due to Perth being a major city full of large shopping centres.
“Sometimes with small business owners, they’re happy just to get the stuff back and let people go, because it means they don’t have to go through the whole prosecution route.”
“So depending on where you are, shoplifting is sort of a ‘doable’ crime,” she said.
Professor Gately also said the cost-of-living crisis and the role of social media are significant contributing factors to people stealing more often.
“It used to be if you didn’t have the exact Nike or you didn’t have the exact footwear, it wasn’t too much of a big deal, but now it’s huge through social media.”
“People want to obtain this but it’s quite expensive, so therefore, to obtain these specialised, branded, popular items, it becomes very difficult for young people,” she said.
Professor Gately published a report last year about offenders’ perspectives on crime targets and stolen goods disposal methods which, among other findings, also demonstrated the shift towards shoplifting and stealing for personal consumption rather than selling on.
Addressing safety concerns
For those who work in retail, witnessing the surge in shoplifting incidents firsthand is disheartening and concerning.
This trend extends beyond the bottom line for businesses.
Mounting safety concerns have also become paramount for staff and shoppers.
The last 12 months have seen increasing incidents of violent threats against shoppers and retailers.
As recent as last Saturday, a teenager armed with a knife was arrested at Myer in Karrinyup Shopping Centre, and staff and shoppers were forced to evacuate.
Charlotte Ridley, a former Adidas and City Beach Manager, has had many encounters in retail where people were left vulnerable or hurt because of theft.
Ms Ridley advocates for granting security staff in shopping centres greater authority to intervene promptly and efficiently in theft, to safeguard customers and staff from potential harm.
“I think security should be able to do a lot more than be glorified customer service agents.”
“They’ve got the title as security officers, so they should be able to apprehend people.”
Ms Ridley also suggests mirrors should be strategically placed within specific areas of the store, particularly those stores with ‘blindspots’.
“Using mirrors to reflect and watch blindspots from a distance used to help us so much at City Beach.”
To combat this issue, many businesses have implemented various methods to reduce theft by enhancing security measures.
These methods include installing surveillance cameras, implementing electronic surveillance systems, and training staff to be vigilant in detecting and deterring theft.
Additionally, some businesses have partnered with local law enforcement agencies to increase patrols and effectively coordinate efforts to address theft-related challenges.
In September last year, WA police conducted a month-long blitz across the state’s shopping centres, which resulted in 900 charges for more than 2,000 offences.
Other measures include establishing regular communication channels to report suspicious activity and sharing surveillance footage or information on known shoplifters in local areas.
Supermarkets have also implemented AI security cameras to identify and notify staff when the shopper has yet to scan an item.
WA government cracking down on repeated retail theft incidents
New laws were announced by the Cook Government, in February, designed to deter repeat shoplifters and expand the range of sentencing options available to courts.
A person convicted of shoplifting may face penalties worth up to $6,000, a conditional release order, or community service orders.
Under the new penalties, repeat offenders will be subject to fines of up to $24,000 and may face two years imprisonment.
By expanding the sentencing options available to courts, the legislation aims to send a clear message that repeat offenders will face increasingly severe consequences.
Charlotte Ridley believes the changes are only beneficial depending on certain cases.
“It depends on the reason they are stealing, like clothes; there’s obviously no need to steal, but say, for example, food, two years is a lot.”
“I don’t think, however, the laws are too harsh, and I feel like it would hopefully teach them a lesson.”
Likewise, Professor Gately suggests that there should be other ways for shoplifters to pay back to the community, such as community service within shopping centres.
“$24,000 for people who are stealing out of need; they are not going to be able to pay back their fine, and it’s going to severely impact their ability to rebuild their lives.”
Professor Gately also questions the effectiveness of the penalty.
“In terms of jail, you’re taking them off the streets so they don’t steal again, and there may be a deterrence effect, but in terms of rehabilitation and getting back out and living a good life after doing prison time, that’s not a smart move.”
