Ongoing crisis pushes Bunnings to improve security in stores. How can it protect you?

The number of criminal cases is staggering in this state, and it's apparently getting worse.

For the past 12 months leading to June 2025, Victoria recorded 99,114 retail crime incidents—a 20 per cent jump from last year's 82,748 cases.

With this, if you've noticed your local Bunnings feels different lately, you're not imagining things.

Recently, the hardware giant announced it's trialling security gates at five Victorian stores, including Springvale and Sunshine.

This trial was part of a desperate bid to protect both staff and customers, and a response to what industry experts are calling a retail crime crisis that's fundamentally changed how we shop.

When your weekend Bunnings run becomes a security checkpoint

Victoria now accounts for 35 per cent of all retail crime incidents nationally, which is about 60 per cent more incidents than any other state.

Almost half of all theft incidents nationwide (45 per cent or 268,666 cases) now occur in retail settings - and Victoria is bearing the brunt.

Rod Caust, Bunnings' Director of Stores, didn't mince words about the escalation. 'We've seen a concerning 50 per cent increase in retail crime in our stores over the past two years, with 88 per cent of customer threatening situations relating to theft,' Caust said.

'No one should be subjected to abuse, threats or violence simply for doing their job or going about their day,' he added.

The security gates aren't just about stopping theft—they're about creating a safer environment for everyone.

Offenders are becoming more brazen and violent, putting frontline workers and shoppers at serious risk, with assaults linked to retail theft rising by 9.2 per cent last year.

The perfect storm behind the crime wave

Victoria Police pointed out that the surge of criminal activity could be due to inflation, cost-of-living pressures, and high interest rates.

Around 60 and 70 per cent of threatening incidents are committed by repeat offenders who belong in organised groups who know what they're doing.

The ripple effect across major retailers

Bunnings isn't alone in this battle. Coles reported that 71 per cent of all thefts across its 1,800 stores nationally occur in Victoria. This statistic led the supermarket giant to implement its own security measures.

Woolworths, Kmart, and Target have all expressed similar concerns about escalating violence against their staff.

While retailers are reluctant to reveal exact figures, Coles' operations chief Matt Swindells put a number on the financial implications of these security measures.

'Of $100 spent in Coles the net profit after tax is about $2.50, so while we are a big business and the profits we generate are sizeable, the margins are too thin to wear the cost of losses to the extent they have been,' Swindells explained.

Staff members from retailers and supermarkets often face harassment from thieves. Image Credit: Bunnings

The human cost that matters most

Yet, behind every statistic is a real person—often a young retail worker just trying to do their job.

The Wesfarmers group, which owns Bunnings, reported more than 13,500 threatening incidents involving staff over the last year, including more than 1,000 physical assaults.

Women workers are disproportionately affected by the violence. For customers, particularly seniors who may feel more vulnerable, this creates additional anxiety about what should be routine shopping trips.

What this means for your shopping experience

Research from October 2025 reveals 79 per cent of Victorians are concerned about the state's rising crime levels, and many customers have voiced frustration about feeling like suspected criminals when they're just trying to buy groceries or hardware.

Customers also shared their frustration over the security gates.

As retailers grapple with unprecedented levels of theft and violence, expect to see more security measures becoming the norm rather than the exception.

This might include more CCTV, additional security personnel, and possibly restrictions on certain high-theft items.

While these measures are in place, retailers are listening to customer feedback and ensuring that these security measures are as unobtrusive as possible.

The goal isn't to make shopping unpleasant, but to ensure that everyone can go about their business safely.

The retail landscape in Victoria is changing, and while that might feel uncomfortable, it's a necessary response to a serious problem. As this situation evolves, it's worth remembering that behind every security measure is a desire to protect the people who serve us and shop alongside us every day.

Have you noticed changes in your local shopping experience? What's your take on the new security measures—necessary protection or an unfortunate sign of the times? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.