SafeCity Network Bulletin - 15 May 2020 | National Retail Association

Proportion of retail crime increases during COVID-19.

These unprecedented times are already creating new challenges for retailers and communities when it comes to crime. Many customers from across the world have asked us about the impacts that COVID-19 is having and will likely have on retail crime now and in the post-pandemic future.

The following trends in retail crime have been reported by retailers through the Auror platform over the past few weeks, as relayed across the National Retail Association's SafeCity Network. Thank you to all of the retailers reporting these crimes and trends.
The more we all report, the more we all know.

Key trends reported by retailers...

Changing environment: panic and fear creates opportunities for criminals.
Further rise of Organised Retail Crime (ORC): ORC groups are using the distractions to steal in-demand products to sell on the black market or overseas. With more people at home, burglars are resorting to retail crime.
Police response: With law enforcement resources already stretched, there has been a decrease in responses to retail and property crimes.
Impact of unemployment and economic downturn: Property crime can increase by up to 1.8% for every 1% increase in unemployment. The spike of unemployment caused by COVID-19 may see an increase of 20%+.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

The National Retail Association is supporting Australian retail during this crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions have had a devastating impact on many retailers. Rest assured we are working with every level of Government on a daily basis and ask that you keep lines of communication open about the impact on your business. We want to make sure that all levels of Government are under no illusion as to what the pandemic means for our industry and its employees.

Resources available
The National Retail Association has compiled a comprehensive suite of resources including signage to communicate changes to trading hours, social distancing procedures, employee policy documents, and many more.

ACCESS FREE COVID-19 EMPLOYER RESOURCES HERE

About the SafeCity Network

The National Retail Association’s SafeCity Network brings together retailers, government and law enforcement to better inform and equip retailers to reduce retail crime. By reducing crime over the long term, the program aims to attract more shoppers and visitors, and ultimately create a more vibrant, safer retail precincts. Participants in the SafeCity Network gain access to regular crime alerts and bulletins based on real-world intelligence shared by other retailers. Find out more > Have queries? Contact the Policy team: policy@nra.net.au