A surge in retail crime is taking a growing toll on Echuca businesses and their workers, with staff attacked and facing regular aggression as the rate of shop theft soars 40 per cent.
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A discount variety store worker trying to stop an alleged thief was hit in the head with a juice carton, while another worker was threatened with assault before stock was sent crashing to the floor at a Hare St liquor store.
Echuca Acting Inspector Damian Keegan said the incidents reflected a broader problem confronting local retailers.
“Retail crime is not a victimless offence; it has real and lasting impacts on workers, businesses and the communities they serve,” he said.
Crime Statistics Agency figures for the year ending March 2026 show 399 steal-from-a-retail-store offences were recorded in the Echuca district, up almost 40 per cent from 286 the previous year.
Supermarket thefts jumped from 155 to 221 incidents, while other retail theft increased from 252 to 268.
Retail crime was the second-highest offence subgroup in Echuca, behind breaches of family violence orders.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing threats and aggression towards retail workers on occasions,” Acting Insp Keegan said.
Police allege a man entered a Hare St liquor store about 4.25pm on Saturday, September 19, became aggressive and threatened to assault a staff member before pushing over stock, causing about $150 damage.
About 11am the previous day, a woman stole a $38 bottle of alcohol from another Hare St store.
The incidents follow an alleged assault in Anstruther St on August 31, when a man attempting to steal a one-litre carton of juice allegedly threw it at a worker aged in her 70s after she asked him to return it.
The carton struck the woman in the head, leaving her with minor injuries and shaken. A man has been charged in relation to the incident and remanded in custody to appear in Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on October 9.
Acting Insp Keegan said retail workers were being exposed to more than financial losses when confronted by offending.
“Retail workers are often exposed to theft, abusive behaviour, intimidation and violence, creating an environment where many feel unsafe while simply carrying out their duties,” he said.
“They are members of our local communities, and when they are subjected to criminal behaviour, the effects can extend well beyond the workplace.
“Experiences of aggression, threats or violence can impact confidence, mental wellbeing and a person’s sense of safety, both at work and in their everyday lives.”
The incidents came during a spate of alleged offending and property damage across Echuca between September 18 and 19.
In High St, Echuca, an unknown person smashed the front window of a business overnight, while a group of youths smashed two solar lights at the front of the Riverboat Hotel about 9pm on September 18, causing about $200 damage.
Registration plates were also stolen from a vehicle parked in an Annesley St business car park between 9am and 9.45am on September 19. Police are also investigating a string of incidents in Rushworth and Lancaster and a vandalism attack at a Moama home earlier this month.
Acting Insp Keegan said police were investigating the recent offences, including whether any were linked. No arrests have been made.
The offending comes amid heightened concern about repeat offenders. In 2025, about 5400 repeat offenders were responsible for 40 per cent of crime across Victoria, according to police.
C4EM chief executive Jayden Howe said local business owners were increasingly concerned about the safety and security of their stores.
“Business owners are starting to ask questions about what is happening with repeat offenders,” he said.
“It shouldn’t be up to shop owners to spend money on extra security and absorb theft and vandalism as a cost of doing business.”
Mr Howe said businesses were already battling online competition, wages and other costs, while repeated theft and vandalism carried a human as well as financial price.
“No crime is too small to report as it helps in the collection of evidence that paints a bigger picture for police,” he said.
“In some cases, that one report may be the straw that breaks a camel’s back.”
C4EM is progressing its CCTV Safer Towns Project, which would install cameras in areas experiencing property damage, antisocial behaviour and poor perceptions of safety.
Rolled out across three stages, cameras would complement existing infrastructure through the port precinct and areas between Annesley and High streets, creating a surveillance grid designed to help police identify offenders and track their movements.
Mr Howe said the network would also give businesses greater protection and help people feel safer walking through Echuca at night.
Police are encouraging retailers to report offending through Victoria Police’s online reporting system, which allows CCTV footage to be uploaded to assist investigators.
Anyone who witnessed the recent incidents or has information that could help police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au