SafeCity Network Bulletin - 8 May 2020 | National Retail Association

In these uncertain times, crime can have a devastating impact on retail.

Every single incident erodes profitability for businesses, increases the cost of goods to consumers, endangers frontline staff while also wasting their time, and ultimately reduces the appeal of our retail precincts to customers.

The following trends in retail crime have been witnessed by Police, Government and Brisbane retailers 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...

Aggressive behaviour: Reports of aggressive behaviour dramatically increased over March and April. These reports have started to decrease since panic buying stopped in late-April.
Theft: Reports of theft have not decreased in the past month. This is concerning considering the number of stores that have temporarily closed.
Cybercrime: Email scams and phishing websites using COVID-19 themes are increasing.
Vigilance: Shopping centres and tenants need to be vigilant now more stores are opening.
Reporting: Ensure all crime is reported to police, especially incidents of violence and poor behaviour.

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