Retail theft rises in New South Wales

Following the removal of pandemic related restrictions, retail theft has experienced a sharp increase in incidents, returning to pre-pandemic figures in both Greater Sydney and Regional New South Wales.

Incidents of retail theft, alike to many property crimes, fell significantly during the pandemic due to the closure of non-essential business, local travel limits and restrictions on gatherings and movement.

Retail theft is defined as theft from shops committed where people take away merchandise without paying for it.

Since restrictions were lifted in October 2021, retail theft offences have been steadily increasing, up 47.5% year-on-year to June 2023, as reported by the New South Wales Bureau of Crime and Statistics.