Victoria records 102 retail thefts daily as shoplifting hits record
Retail theft in Victoria rose 2.3% to 37,398 offences in the year to June 2026, averaging 102 thefts every single day.
Thieves targeted Victorian stores around 102 times a day over the past year, with the Crime Statistics Agency recording 37,398 theft offences at retail sites. The 2.3% jump from the previous year puts the problem at record levels.
Small shop owners say repeated theft forces hard choices. Natellie Maloney, who runs a crystal shop in Chelsea, is not even taking a wage and recently let go a five-year employee.
Staff at stores report thieves simply walk in and just take what they want, especially alcohol and small valuables. Confronting them can be dangerous.
Maloney suffered a panic attack and was hospitalised after one incident.
- 37,398 offences
- Retail thefts recorded
- 102 thefts
- Daily average
- 2.3%
- Year-on-year increase
- 12 months to June 2026
- Period measured
Why it mattersThe surge forces small businesses to cut costs and jobs, and puts retail staff at physical and mental risk when they try to stop thefts.
AustraliaVictorian shoppers may see higher prices and fewer staff as retailers absorb losses, and small businesses struggle to survive.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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