Supermarket giant Coles has reported a surge in thefts and threats against its workers, with organised crime groups driving much of the activity. The company revealed in its annual results that both organised crime and opportunistic theft have led to significant stock losses, particularly in high-value items like meat.
Chief Executive Leah Weckert told The Sydney Morning Herald that while theft-prevention measures such as automated security gates and advanced camera monitoring had reduced stock loss to 2015 levels, the safety of employees remained a serious concern.
Weckert noted that staff continued to face threatening situations from shoplifters, with incidents escalating more in Victoria compared to other states. She stressed that despite heavy investment in safety initiatives, violent encounters were still rising.
Coles is among several major retailers experiencing an increase in shoplifting and staff intimidation. In response, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced plans to introduce new laws to better protect retail workers.
Victoria Police, however, declined to comment on the matter.
