Source: ACT Police
ACT Policing has launched Operation RETAIL, a month-long campaign to address anti-social behaviour and retail theft within Canberra’s shopping precincts.
Today (Wednesday, 1 October 2025) members from ACT Policing as well as retail managers, security providers and external agencies launched the operation at the Canberra Outlet in Fyshwick.
Devised by ACT Policing and retailers, the operation will focus on deterring anti-social behaviour, reducing retail theft, enhancing public perceptions of safety and improving business safety and security.
The operation has been established in response to intelligence and stakeholder feedback identifying an increase in thefts particularly of alcohol, spray paint and retail goods alongside instances of disorderly conduct. In some cases, staff are being physically assaulted and verbally abused when challenging alleged offenders.
During October, Canberrans can expect to see increased patrols of shopping centres and other retail outlets, police working with loss prevention officers, and engagement with business owners and operators to provide crime prevention advice.
Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Brown said that the campaign launch serves as a good reminder that retail theft is a continuing issue and that criminal activity will not be tolerated.
“Shoplifting or theft offences can be opportunistic crimes but we are also seeing organised and coordinated networks of offenders operating in the ACT. We are working with business owners and employees to take proactive steps to reduce the opportunities for thieves,” Detective Active Superintendent Brown said.
“We are also providing advice and assistance to retailers when individuals threaten or assault staff.
“Importantly, this month of action will specifically target those individuals who think they can steal items and when challenged, abuse and intimidate retail staff.”
Quote attributable to Canberra Outlet Centre Manager, Brianna Nix
Canberra Outlet is proud to support our ongoing partnership with ACT Police during their Month of Action. By working together in a coordinated effort, we are helping to deter anti-social behaviour, reduce retail theft, strengthen safety measures for our retailers and customers at our centre and across the ACT. A secure welcoming environment is at the heart of our shopping centre and this initiative reinforces our shared commitment to building community confidence and ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
Quote attributable to Coles General Manager, Ivan Slunjski
Despite record levels of investment in technology, security guards and safety training, our team and customers are still faced with unacceptable levels of abuse and threatening behaviour. No one deserves to feel unsafe while at work or while shopping, and this issue must continue to be a focus throughout the entire industry.
Quote attributable to Woolworths’ Head of Acts of Violence and Aggression Prevention, Sarah Faorlin
Last year we recorded more than 6,100 violent and aggressive incidents across the country, up 26% on the year before. Addressing this unacceptable rise in violence and aggressive behaviour towards our store teams requires a joined up approach across industry, police and government.
We appreciate the active approach by the ACT Police taskforce to combat increased levels of theft and violence in retail, and we thank the ACT Government for introducing Workplace Protection Orders to help keep out high harm offenders. We’ll continue working closely with both police and ACT Government and look forward to further collaboration in the future.