SafeCity Network Bulletin - 12 June 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.

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...

Rise in crime on George Street and Adelaide Street: Retailers have reported an increase in aggression, loitering and theft by people who appear to be homeless on George Street and Adelaide Street. Reports of shoplifting, smoking in no smoking zones and individuals asking for money and if they refuse, they cough on them and threaten to abuse them.
Theft: Retailers report shoplifters are becoming more brazen moving away from small items to big ticket items with high resale value.
Staff feeling unsafe: Many retail staff reported feeling unsafe going to and from work.

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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