Government announces upcoming measure addressing serious retail crime
The New Zealand government has announced an upcoming measure to address serious retail crime - but employers are saying it's not enough.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith revealed last week a string of upcoming reforms aimed at improving New Zealand's criminal justice system.
This includes responding to serious retail crime by introducing a new aggravating factor to address offences against sole charge workers and those whose home and business are interconnected.
But Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young said the measure isn't enough.
"This doesn't go far enough. Almost every retail worker has been affected by crime and aggression, whether they are sole charge or not," Young said in a statement.
"On a daily basis, retailers of all sizes are dealing with threatening, violent, or simply unpleasant customers, who are trying to steal or damage their property."
Retail crime is affecting 92% of retailers in New Zealand, resulting in costs over $2.6 billion, according to Retail NZ.
Separate findings from the Dairy and Business Owners' Group revealed there were 148,599 crimes reported at retail locations, including dairies, bottle stores, pharmacies, service stations, shops, stores, supermarkets, salons, restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, and shopping malls.
Sunny Kaushal, Dairy and Business Owners' Group chairman, said this is "nearly triple" the 50,480 crimes reported in 2020 and five times greater than in 2015.
Retailers across New Zealand have long called for stronger protection for their employees amid rising retail abuse and crimes.
Last year, Woolworths NZ launched a campaign asking for respect and courtesy from customers ahead of a "busy and stressful time" in the holiday season. It also invested last year $45 million over the next three years to add security measures to stores and upskill team members in handling conflict.
