A small vintage store's controversial decision to charge customers just to walk through the door has sparked fierce debate, but the shocking reality is that businesses across Australia are fighting an unprecedented wave of retail crime that's forcing desperate measures.
Goosey Goosey Gander in Burra, South Australia, made headlines when it placed a sign asking new customers to pay a $5 entry fee—refundable with purchase—before browsing their vintage treasures.
While the move has divided opinion, the store's drastic action reflects a national crisis, with retail theft reaching a 21-year high of 595,660 recorded victims in 2024, and thefts at retail locations now accounting for 45 per cent of all theft incidents.
In South Australia specifically, there were 47,693 victims of theft in 2024, with over half occurring at retail locations.
The family-run boutique's staff explained they were forced to act after experiencing 'so much bad behaviour and stealing' from passing customers. Regular locals who are recognised by staff don't pay the fee, but tourists and new visitors must stump up the $5 deposit to enter.
'Thefts at retail locations rose from 32 per cent of all thefts in 2010 to 45 per cent in 2024'
A national shoplifting epidemic
What's happening in Burra isn't an isolated incident. South Australia has seen a shocking 31 per cent increase in shoplifting offences, with 17,572 cases recorded.
Nationally, shoplifting offences have increased by a staggering 27.9 per cent in just 12 months—the highest growth on record. New South Wales saw a 36.1 per cent surge, while Queensland's incidents are now higher than any time in the past two decades.
The statistics paint a grim picture for retailers facing soaring living costs and stretched household budgets.
New South Wales has witnessed a 38 per cent increase in retail theft over two years, while Victoria has seen a 39 per cent rise with total incidents reaching 28,174. Queensland's shoplifting offences jumped 28 per cent, hitting a record high of 26,229.
Understanding the shoplifting surge
Retail crime costs Australian businesses $9 billion annually, with experts identifying six types of shoplifters: the desperate (stealing out of necessity), inexperienced opportunists, thrill-seekers, 'boosters' who steal to resell, kleptomaniacs, and the absent-minded.
Is charging an entry fee legal?
Many social media commenters questioned whether the store could legally charge customers just to enter, with some suggesting it should be reported to fair trading authorities.
However, under Australian Consumer Law, businesses can charge entry fees provided they're reasonable and clearly displayed, with no hidden fees or unfair contract terms.
The key requirements are transparency and reasonableness. Goosey Goosey Gander's sign clearly states the $5 fee and refund policy, making it legally compliant. The Australian Consumer Law provides consistent rules nationwide about consumer rights and business responsibilities, ensuring one clear framework for everyone to understand.
Your rights regarding entry fees
- Businesses can legally charge entry fees if clearly disclosed
- The fee must be reasonable and not misleading
- You have the right to know about fees before entering
- If you're uncomfortable with the fee, you can simply shop elsewhere
The reality for browsing seniors
For many Australians over 60, browsing through op shops, vintage stores, and small boutiques is both a beloved pastime and a practical necessity.
The idea of paying to simply look around feels fundamentally wrong to many who grew up when 'window shopping' was free entertainment.
The situation has become more concerning with reports of aggression toward retail staff rising by over 20 per cent in 2024. This means the friendly chat with shop owners that many seniors cherish is increasingly strained by security concerns.
The harsh reality is that stores like Goosey Goosey Gander often operate on razor-thin margins. When theft cuts into already modest profits, entry fees might be the difference between staying open and closing forever.
Creative alternatives emerging
While entry fees grab headlines, other Australian retailers are trying different approaches to combat theft. Some are investing in high-visibility security patrols, modern access control systems, and smart locking technology that goes beyond traditional keys.
Some stores are implementing 'accompanied browsing' where staff members chat with customers while they shop—providing both security and personalised service.
Others have moved expensive items behind counters or into locked cabinets, though this changes the browsing experience significantly.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Retail security experts say shoplifters often give themselves away through subtle body language: limited arm movement, lowered chins with raised shoulders, frequent glances at CCTV cameras, and shifting focus from products to watching people.
Supporting small businesses through tough times
While rising living costs contribute to increased theft, experts also point to reduced law enforcement as playing a significant role in fueling the shoplifting epidemic.
For small business owners, especially in rural communities like Burra, every stolen item represents lost income that directly affects their ability to keep the doors open.
The $5 entry fee at Goosey Goosey Gander might seem steep, but consider this: if it prevents just one theft per day, it could save the business hundreds of dollars monthly. For regular customers who know and support the store, the fee doesn't apply anyway.
Navigating the new retail reality
As more businesses implement security measures, senior shoppers might need to adjust expectations. Here are some practical approaches:
- Call ahead: Phone stores to ask about their policies before visiting
- Bring ID: Some stores may ask for identification as security
- Shop with purpose: Have a clear idea of what you're looking for to minimize browsing time
- Support favourites: Regular customers often receive different treatment
- Be understanding: Remember that security measures protect businesses you want to keep visiting
What This Means For You
The conversation around Goosey Goosey Gander's entry fee reflects deeper questions about community, trust, and economic pressures. While nobody wants to pay to browse, the alternative might be empty shopfronts and fewer local businesses to enjoy.
Rather than rushing to judgment, perhaps we should ask: what would we do in their shoes?
Have you encountered entry fees or other new security measures while shopping? How do you think small businesses should balance customer service with protecting against theft? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Theft reaches 21 year high | Australian Bureau of Statistics
Cited text: Samantha Hall, ABS head of crime and justice statistics, said: ‘There were 595,660 recorded victims of theft in 2024.
Excerpt: the store's drastic action reflects a national crisis, with retail theft reaching a 21-year high of 595,660 recorded victims in 2024, and thefts at retail locations now accounting for 45 per cent of all theft incidents.
https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/theft-reaches-21-year-high
Theft reaches 21 year high | Australian Bureau of Statistics
Cited text: ‘Thefts at retail locations rose from 32 per cent of all thefts in 2010 to 45 per cent in 2024.
Excerpt: the store's drastic action reflects a national crisis, with retail theft reaching a 21-year high of 595,660 recorded victims in 2024, and thefts at retail locations now accounting for 45 per cent of all theft incidents.
https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/theft-reaches-21-year-high
Recorded Crime—Victims, 2024 | Australian Bureau of Statistics
Cited text: There were 47,693 victims of other theft recorded in South Australia in 2024, a decrease of 7 per cent (3,557 victims) from the previous year. More than half ...
Excerpt: the store's drastic action reflects a national crisis, with retail theft reaching a 21-year high of 595,660 recorded victims in 2024, and thefts at retail locations now accounting for 45 per cent of all theft incidents.
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/recorded-crime-victims/latest-release
The Alarming Rise of Shoplifting in Retail, in early 2024
Cited text: South Australia: A shocking 31 per cent increase in offences, with 17,572 cases recorded.
Excerpt: What's happening in Burra isn't an isolated incident. South Australia has seen a shocking 31 per cent increase in shoplifting offences, with 17,572 cases recorded.
https://www.possolutions.com.au/blog/the-alarming-rise-of-shoplifting-in-retail-in-early-2024
Retail theft reaches record highs
Cited text: Nationally shoplifting offences have increased to a staggering 27.9 per cent in the 12 months to September, which is the highest growth in shoplifting...
Excerpt: What's happening in Burra isn't an isolated incident. South Australia has seen a shocking 31 per cent increase in shoplifting offences, with 17,572 cases recorded.
https://www.ntha.com.au/news-item/17815/retail-theft-reaches-record-highs
Retail theft reaches record highs
Cited text: New South Wales figures surged by 36.1 per cent, South Australian offences grew 31 per cent, while Queensland’s shoplifting incidents are now higher t...
Excerpt: What's happening in Burra isn't an isolated incident. South Australia has seen a shocking 31 per cent increase in shoplifting offences, with 17,572 cases recorded.
https://www.ntha.com.au/news-item/17815/retail-theft-reaches-record-highs
Retail theft in Australia: A growing challenge for everyone | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: This year, they’re facing a confluence of challenges that could push many to the brink: soaring living costs, stretched household budgets, and a distu...
Excerpt: The statistics paint a grim picture for retailers facing soaring living costs and stretched household budgets.
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/crime/retail-theft-in-australia-a-growing-challenge-for-everyone/
Retail theft in Australia: A growing challenge for everyone | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: New South Wales has witnessed a 38 per cent increase in retail theft over two years, while Victoria has seen a 39 per cent rise, with total incidents reaching 28,174....
Excerpt: The statistics paint a grim picture for retailers facing soaring living costs and stretched household budgets.
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/crime/retail-theft-in-australia-a-growing-challenge-for-everyone/
Retail Crime | National Retail Association Australia
Cited text: Retail crime, such as shoplifting, robbery, and vandalism, costs Australian businesses $9 billion annually.
Excerpt: Retail crime costs Australian businesses $9 billion annually
https://www.nationalretail.org.au/policy-advocacy/safe-retail/retail-crime/
Australian Consumer Law and your business | business.gov.au
Cited text: Your contracts must be easy to understand and not include unfair terms or hidden fees.
Excerpt: under Australian Consumer Law, businesses can charge entry fees provided they're reasonable and clearly displayed, with no hidden fees or unfair contract terms.
https://business.gov.au/legal/fair-trading/australian-consumer-law-and-your-business
About Australian Consumer Law | Consumer Law
Cited text: The Australian Consumer Law is an Australian-wide set of rules that explains: consumer rights business responsibilities in Australia. One Australia-wi...
Excerpt: The Australian Consumer Law provides consistent rules nationwide about consumer rights and business responsibilities, ensuring one clear framework for everyone to understand.
https://consumer.gov.au/about/australian-consumer-law
Shoplifting Trends in Australia: What Retailers Need to Know in 2025
Cited text: Fixed or wearable panic buttons discreetly summon help Can alert nearby guards, monitoring teams, or emergency services Customised alerts based on tim...
Excerpt: The situation has become more concerning with reports of aggression toward retail staff rising by over 20 per cent in 2024.
https://www.citywatchsecurity.com.a...australia-what-retailers-need-to-know-in-2025
Shoplifting Trends in Australia: What Retailers Need to Know in 2025
Cited text: Here’s what we’re recommending to businesses in 2025: High-Visibility Security Patrols: A physical presence alone can cut theft attempts significantly...
Excerpt: Some are investing in high-visibility security patrols, modern access control systems, and smart locking technology that goes beyond traditional keys.
https://www.citywatchsecurity.com.a...australia-what-retailers-need-to-know-in-2025
Shoplifting Trends in Australia: What Retailers Need to Know in 2025
Cited text: Access Control & Smart Locking Systems Restricting who enters your store—and when—is crucial. In 2025, access control goes beyond traditional keys.
Excerpt: Some are investing in high-visibility security patrols, modern access control systems, and smart locking technology that goes beyond traditional keys.
https://www.citywatchsecurity.com.a...australia-what-retailers-need-to-know-in-2025
Retail theft in Australia: A growing challenge for everyone | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: Shoplifters often betray themselves with subtle cues: limited arm movement, lowered chins with raised shoulders, frequent glances at CCTV cameras, and...
Excerpt: Retail security experts say shoplifters often give themselves away through subtle body language: limited arm movement, lowered chins with raised shoulders, frequent glances at CCTV cameras, and shifting focus from products to watching…
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/crime/retail-theft-in-australia-a-growing-challenge-for-everyone/
The Alarming Rise of Shoplifting in Retail, in early 2024
Cited text: The Root of the Problem: More Than Just Cost of Living · In my experience, while the rising living costs may contribute, but the erosion of law enforc...
Excerpt: While rising living costs contribute to increased theft, experts also point to reduced law enforcement as playing a significant role in fueling the shoplifting epidemic.
https://www.possolutions.com.au/blog/the-alarming-rise-of-shoplifting-in-retail-in-early-2024
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