In Western Australia, the shopping experience is set to become much safer for customers and retail workers.

The state government has introduced stringent new laws that aim to clamp down on serial shoplifters and those who exhibit violent behaviour towards retail staff.

These laws, which came into effect recently, respond to the growing concern over the safety of employees in shopping centres, grocery stores, and liquor outlets.

The new 'assault retail workers' offence is particularly noteworthy. It's a clear message from WA Police Minister Paul Papalia that violence against retail workers who perform their duties will not be tolerated.

‘Retail workers have every right to feel safe in their workplace,’ he emphasised.

Under the new legislation, individuals who attack retail staff could face severe consequences.

New WA laws targeted repeat shoplifters and attackers of retail workers with severe penalties, including jail time. Credit: Shutterstock

The penalties range from up to seven to three years of jail time and a hefty fine of $36,000.

Moreover, if the offender is armed or commits the offence with accomplices, the maximum penalty escalates to an imposing ten years' imprisonment.

These new sentencing options significantly increased from the previous penalties, which included up to 18 months behind bars and a fine of $18,000.

A disturbing trend underscores the need for such laws: physical violence against retail workers has surged by 56 per cent in the two years leading up to 2023.

This statistic comes from a national survey of 4,600 Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association members, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action.

But it's not just violent behaviour targeted by these new laws. Serial shoplifters are also in the crosshairs.

Those charged with multiple low-level stealing offences now face a maximum penalty of two years in jail and a $24,000 fine when dealt with summarily.

This is a clear signal that repeated offences will not be brushed aside.

‘WA Police do an incredible job tracking down shoplifters and holding them to account, but some serial offenders don’t get the message,’ Papalia commented.

‘Under these new laws, if shoplifters continue to disregard the law, they will go to prison.’

In related news, a 64-year-old supermarket employee is in critical condition following an assault at a Sydney shopping centre.

The employee was allegedly pushed by a man he had stopped for attempting to leave the store without paying. Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

• Tough new laws in Western Australia target repeat shoplifters and those who attack retail workers, with significant penalties, including jail time.
• The new ‘assault retail workers’ offence includes penalties of up to ten years for attacking staff, especially if armed or with accomplices.
• The legislation was introduced as a response to a 56 per cent rise in physical violence against retail workers over two years.
• Serial thieves now face harsher penalties, with a maximum of two years jail and a $24,000 fine for multiple low-level stealing offences.

What are your thoughts on these new laws? Have you or someone you know been affected by retail theft or violence? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

 

[Johan van Zalen]

It's about time that these low life's are dealt with properly and that the message is that you just can't keep getting away with it

 

[Grahamclarke]

From experience as a police office in the uk most shoplifter stole as they could not afford to pay and put food on the table. If they can’t afford t to pay then finding them has the opposite effect Shoplift to sell items to pay fine.
It may be inconvenient for other shoppers but prevent is always better put items behind counters. Home delivery, only taken off for a short period but has this helped reduce shoplifting? Do away with self checkout have more staff

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

Laws to prevent crime are a step closer to fixing the problem, but if the courts don't do their job to community expectations then any law is just not worth the paper those laws are written on.

 

[Zuki]

I find it funny that serial thieves will be asked to fork out $24000.00. Are we talking about shop-lifters, or big time crooks with their hands on big money. A woman shoplifting from stores in a shopping mall who may be doing it from necessity is different from big operations that price gouge the public with tacit “look the other way” from the powers that be.
And, fining Coles and Woolies, $10,000 is laughable when their profits are in the multi-millions. Bah, I say to all. We are being governed by cretans Or maybe they think we are totally brain impaired to be putting up with them.
We do not have 1 person with a vision for Australia. Are we exporting our brain power, living us with such poor representation?

 

[Babbie]

I find it funny that serial thieves will be asked to fork out $24000.00. Are we talking about shop-lifters, or big time crooks with their hands on big money. A woman shoplifting from stores in a shopping mall who may be doing it from necessity is different from big operations that price gouge the public with tacit “look the other way” from the powers that be.
And, fining Coles and Woolies, $10,000 is laughable when their profits are in the multi-millions. Bah, I say to all. We are being governed by cretans Or maybe they think we are totally brain impaired to be putting up with them.
We do not have 1 person with a vision for Australia. Are we exporting our brain power, living us with such poor representation?

Well, perhaps you should run for parliament and sort everything out??

 

[Zuki]

Well, perhaps you should run for parliament and sort everything out??

If Biden thinks he can do it, maybe I, at 86 young years shoukd give it a try!

 

[Babbie]

If Biden thinks he can do it, maybe I, at 86 young years shoukd give it a try!

Wow, that’s great that you still take an interest in everything! You are a lot sharper than poor old Biden. He doesn’t know whether he is Arthur or Martha . Good luck !

 

[Zuki]

Wow, that’s great that you still take an interest in everything! You are a lot sharper than poor old Biden. He doesn’t know whether he is Arthur or Martha . Good luck !

 

[Zuki]

Thank you. My sides are hurting from laughing. I did write it in fun. Butt thank you. We need to poke fun at horrid things, otherwise they coukd overwhelm us, I think.

 

[Colette 3799]

Laws to prevent crime are a step closer to fixing the problem, but if the courts don't do their job to community expectations then any law is just not worth the paper those laws are written on.

Totally agree. The courts have to stop letting these serial offenders out on bail, no matter what their race is.

 

[Colette 3799]

Thank you. My sides are hurting from laughing. I did write it in fun. Butt thank you. We need to poke fun at horrid things, otherwise they coukd overwhelm us, I think.

Personally I think you’d do a better job than these ‘experts’ lol

 

[Babbie]

Thank you. My sides are hurting from laughing. I did write it in fun. Butt thank you. We need to poke fun at horrid things, otherwise they coukd overwhelm us, I think.

I agree we don’t laugh enough. Have a great day!

 

[Zuki]

Personally I think you’d do a better job than these ‘experts’ lol

Thank you. I feel encouraged (in jest)!

 

[Clancieblue]

Thank you. My sides are hurting from laughing. I did write it in fun. Butt thank you. We need to poke fun at horrid things, otherwise they coukd overwhelm us, I think.

I'm concerned about the BUTT thank you Just kidding

 

[Johan van Zalen]

If Biden thinks he can do it, maybe I, at 86 young years shoukd give it a try!

Yeah anyone but Trump

 

[Luckyus]

Not only addressing store thefts, perhaps the authorities could/should address the prime causes of the thefts.

 

[Zuki]

Not only addressing store thefts, perhaps the authorities could/should address the prime causes of the thefts.

 

[Towing]

Totally agree. The courts have to stop letting these serial offenders out on bail, no matter what their race is.

They need to build larger detention centres to hold the criminals. I suspect there would be a lot less given bail.

 

[Zuki]

i have news for you. They are too busy falling all over themselves trying to get re-elected.