Retailers pleased with efforts to stamp out crime in NSW

Retail industry groups have expressed support for the government plan to strengthen protections for retail staff in New South Wales.

The government will begin targeted consultations this week with retailers, police, unions, and legal stakeholders regarding Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs). The WPO consultation, building on the NSW Police’s October strategy against repeat and serious offenders, seeks to introduce measures to prevent known offenders from making threats or entering stores.

Following its success in the central metropolitan region last year, the government announced that Operation Percentile, a police initiative targeting high-harm and repeat offenders, will expand statewide with further measures to protect retail staff.

Since October 2025, the operation has resulted in 525 individuals charged, 392 court attendance notices issued, and the recovery of more than $AUD230,000 in stolen stock.

"Operation Percentile is making a meaningful difference by targeting high-harm repeat offenders."
Chris Rodwell, Australian Retail Council

In 2023, three new offences were established for harassing, stalking, or assaulting retail workers, carrying penalties of up to 11 years’ imprisonment.

Chris Rodwell, CEO of the Australian Retail Council, noted that organised crime is driving retail harm and welcomed stronger protections for frontline staff.

“This isn’t just about theft – retail workers face increasing abuse, threats and violence while doing their jobs,” he said.

“Operation Percentile is making a meaningful difference by targeting high-harm repeat offenders.”

Data from Auror, a retail crime intelligence platform, indicates that 10 per cent of offenders account for approximately 60 per cent of the harm retailers experience. Other industry leaders, including Shopping Centre Council of Australia CEO Angus Nardi, also welcomed the initiative.

As part of the strategy, police are conducting high-visibility, intelligence-led operations in retail precincts to prevent and disrupt violent behaviour and retail crime.