Retail theft is spiralling across East Gippsland and Victoria with new data showing it’s a bigger problem here than in other jurisdictions – and regional communities are bearing the cost.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said it was a symptom of Victoria’s weak approach to crime.
“We have a Premier who says the bail laws are the toughest in the country. The reality is they are not as tough as when Labor came to Government, so more can be done,” Mr Bull said.
Recent Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) figures confirm for the year ending June 2025, recorded retail crime offences in Victoria jumped 20 per cent, from 82,748 to 99,114.
In East Gippsland there was a 40 per cent rise in retail thefts over the past year, while Wellington saw a staggering 120 per cent jump in this area alone.
Mr Bull said the data showed the situation is getting worse.
“It is hard enough for our small businesses, but what has happened is people have become emboldened to undertake these behaviours because they are not held to account,” he said.
“Police and Crime Stoppers say repeat offenders account for roughly 70 per cent of retail theft incidents and some offenders have been caught more than 100 times.
“Given this, how can these be tough bail laws?
“Local shops are losing stock, staff are being abused, and businesses are forced to spend heavily on security instead of investing in the local economy.
“I understand reasons are mixed: cost-of-living pressures push some to steal essentials, but we have hardened repeat offenders taking non-essential items and then facing few consequences.
“Victoria Police are doing a great job with limited resources. But we must ensure offenders are held accountable. That means tougher penalties, focused efforts on repeat criminals, and supports for people who steal out of desperation,” he said.
“Local retailers shouldn’t have to divert funds into guards and cameras, that’s money lost to the community. The government must act to protect retail workers, support struggling households, and restore a sense of security in our shopping precincts.”
Mr Bull said that is why the Liberals and Nationals policy of ‘Break bail face jail’ was important as it will reinstate and elevate consequences for offenders who breach bail or commit offences while on bail.
