New legislation cracks down on shoplifting and violence
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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