The next time you walk into your local Woolworths, you might notice a quiet change in how staff deal with tense situations. Behind those calm voices and careful smiles lies a growing problem—retail violence.
What was once a rare occurrence has now become a daily reality for many workers, forcing stores and governments to take stronger action to keep both staff and shoppers safe.
The numbers paint a grim picture
Shocking CCTV footage released by Woolworths has revealed the harsh reality facing retail workers across Australia—a staff member knocked unconscious in a car park, teenage brawls erupting just metres from checkouts, and employees forced to break up violent fights.
These incidents are not isolated—they form part of a wider pattern of aggression that has left many frontline workers fearful on the job.
In 2024 alone, weapon-related incidents surged by 66 per cent, with one in four retail crimes involving violence or threats.
Victoria recorded the highest spike, with threatening events up 52 per cent and serious incidents rising 38 per cent.
Woolworths also reported over 6,000 violent incidents in its stores last year—a 26 per cent jump from 2023.
South Australia’s groundbreaking response
In response to escalating violence, South Australia is preparing to roll out tough new workplace protection laws that could reshape how retailers handle abusive customers.
Under the proposed legislation, stores will have the power to ban repeat offenders for 12 months or more through Workplace Protection Orders issued by the courts.
These orders target customers who are physically or sexually abusive, as well as those who stalk, harass, or damage property.
Importantly, a criminal conviction will not be required for an order to be imposed—and breaching one could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.
The model is based on a similar system in the ACT, where Woolworths reports that workplace attacks have dropped by 23 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024.
'The ones that we know are serial offenders are finally going to be able to be told, you are no longer welcome here.'
Another worker added: 'These laws, if passed, would bring a lot of power to us workers.'
What are Workplace Protection Orders?
Court-issued bans targeting abusive customers that can last 12 months or longer.
Cover physical abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, harassment, and property damage.
No criminal conviction is required for an order to be imposed.
Breaching an order can lead to imprisonment for up to five years.
Attorney-General Kyam Maher has backed the changes, saying: 'We look forward to getting these new laws through Parliament this year so that South Australians can feel safer when they go to work.'
With the festive season approaching—a period known for heightened tensions in stores—the timing couldn’t be more important.
The bigger picture: a national retail crisis
Across Australia, retail crime is climbing to record levels. In 2024, weapon incidents rose sharply, and assaults linked to theft increased by nearly 10 per cent.
While South Australia is taking the lead, other states are following suit.
New South Wales has already passed laws creating new offences for assaulting or intimidating retail workers.
Why this matters to everyday shoppers
For older Australians, who often value in-person service and a sense of safety while shopping, this trend is particularly troubling.
The violence isn’t confined to late nights—it’s happening in broad daylight, during regular trading hours, when most shoppers are present.
By removing repeat offenders and empowering stores to act faster, these new protections could help restore calm to shopping centres across the country.
Source: Instagram / 7newsadelaide and 7newsaustralia
Staying safe while shopping
While these laws are still being finalised, shoppers can take simple precautions to stay safe:
Shop during busier hours when more staff and security are around.
Avoid intervening directly in confrontations—alert staff or security instead.
Stay aware in car parks and report suspicious behaviour immediately.
If you feel uneasy, consider shopping with a friend or family member.
Did you know?
Did you know?
In July 2025, major industry bodies—including the Shop Distributive Alliance, Victoria Police, the Victorian government, and leading retailers—met for a Retail Crime Symposium to develop a coordinated national response to the violence affecting frontline staff.
What happens next
As South Australia moves forward with its new protection laws, one message stands out—treat retail workers with respect.
These are people doing their jobs, often under pressure, and they deserve to feel safe.
Stronger laws can help create a calmer, more secure environment where staff can focus on service and customers can shop with confidence.
A little respect at the checkout goes a long way toward making shopping safer for everyone.
Source: YouTube / ABC News In-depth
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Primary Source
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15240761/woolworths-retail-violence-crime.html
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Excerpt: the top 10 per cent of offenders were responsible for around 60 per cent of total harm and loss across Australia last year
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Excerpt: Victoria
https://www.commo.com.au/news/2025/...-design-and-human-strategies-safer-stores-bmt
Securing the future of retail: Technology, design and human strategies for safer stores—BMT | Commo.
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https://www.commo.com.au/news/2025/...-design-and-human-strategies-safer-stores-bmt
Retail crime surges as consumer morals shift amid cost pressures—Monash Lens
Cited text: In response to the alarming escalation of retail crime, the Shop Distributive Alliance (SDA), Victoria Police, Victorian government, ARA, National Ret...
Excerpt: In response to the retail crime crisis, major industry groups including the Shop Distributive Alliance, Victoria Police, Victorian government, and retailers met in July 2025 for a Retail Crime Symposium to discuss a national action plan
https://lens.monash.edu/@business-e...rge-consumer-morals-shift-amid-cost-pressures
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