The rate of shoplifting in WA has doubled in recent years, WA Police report.
Monthly statistics rounding out the financial year put 2023-24 way ahead of previous years data was collected for shoplifting.
Shoplifting is on the rise in WA.Credit: Kirsten Burghard
More than 33,000 offences were recorded by the agency over the past 12 months, 6000 more than the previous year and almost double the amount from three years ago.
Only half of those recorded offences from last year led to a conviction.
WAtoday has also broken down the numbers to reveal which suburbs ranked worst for stealing in general, which includes shoplifting. The list is topped by suburbs containing some of the state’s biggest shopping centres.
Perth, home to the CBD and the largest concentration of retailers, was top of the list, followed by Cannington, home of Westfield Carousel.
Third was Midland, in Perth’s eastern suburbs, home to Midland Gate, containing 50-plus retailers, while Rockingham came fourth.
Fremantle was fifth then Cloverdale, home of Belmont Shopping Centre, with Armadale, Morley and then neighbours Maddington and Thornlie rounding out the top 10.
Ashfield IGA owner Sarah Wang said people stole items from her shop on average every other day and attempts to stop them had led to violence.
Last year she was pepper-sprayed in the face after attempting to confront two 13 and 14-year-old girls who had allegedly stolen food, drinks and toiletries. Wang and her husband attempted to block them from leaving the store which resulted in one of the girls allegedly pepper-spraying her in the face and then raising her fist and threatening to punch her.
The girls were arrested after CCTV footage allegedly caught them in the act, but Wang said one year on, the situation was just as bad.
“All we can do is send the footage to police and hope they catch them, but it is time-consuming when it happens so often,” she said.
Wang estimates shoplifters cost her $20,000-$30,000 a year in lost revenue.
Her concern is that she will be labelled as an easy target for shoplifters as word spreads but now puts concerns for her and her staff’s safety stopping them.
Australian Retail Association chief executive Paul Zahra said crime was one of the most pressing issues facing the retail sector and the association was working with experts across the government, police and industry to tackle it.
“Retail crime extends far beyond financial losses – although those losses are of course substantial – in the order of $9 billion a year and counting nationally,” he said.
“This can have a devastating impact on the long-term viability of businesses both small and large.”
Zahra said one of the greatest concerns was the safety and well-being of frontline teams and customers.
“This is the issue which, in the words of many of our retail CEOs, keeps them up at night,” he said.
Ashfield IGA owner Sarah Wang.Credit: Linda Parri
“No one should come to work and be spat on, screamed at or punched just for doing their job. This behaviour isn’t tolerated in any other workplace and nor should it be tolerated by retail workers.”
Clinical psychologist Donna Stambulich said the issue was a social and a justice one that stemmed, in part, from the rising cost of living.
“Prices are going up, wages are staying the same, and more people are finding it hard to afford the basics,” she said.
“This financial stress can push people to steal just to get by.”
She adds, however, that others took advantage of the situation.
“When stores have policies where staff can’t confront thieves, it makes stealing seem less risky,” she said.
“People think they can get away with it more easily.”
However, Stambulich believes there is a strong link between mental health and shoplifting that should be explored.
“People dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression may use shoplifting as a coping mechanism, finding temporary relief or excitement,” she said.
“Financial stress can exacerbate these mental health issues, leading some to steal out of necessity.
The altercation in the Ashfield IGA in January 2023.Credit: Linda Parri
“Depression, with its associated low self-worth and feelings of worthlessness, can drive self-destructive behaviours, including theft. Substance abuse issues often coexist with mental health disorders, and individuals may shoplift to support their addiction.”
While the recent statistics show an increase in shoplifting and other violent crimes across WA, the numbers of new officers being recruited is declining, exacerbating the issue, says Police Union president Paul Gale.
“Should the police to population ratio continue to fall, there will not be enough officers to cope with rising level of violence in the community,” he said.
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