Retail crime continues to have a profound impact on businesses and workers across New Zealand. ShopCare acknowledges the Government’s commitment to addressing this issue, including its annual $1.8 million investment over two years through the recently concluded Retail Crime Ministerial Advisory Group.
However, ShopCare has significant concerns about the direction of current legislative proposals and the mixed signals they send to the retail sector.
The proposed Crimes Amendment Bill strengthens protections for property and supports loss prevention efforts. While these measures aim to deter offending, the Bill does not address, and may even increase, the risks faced by retail workers.
ShopCare CEO Selena Armstrong says the safety implications for retail workers must be central to any legislative response.
“Retail crime is not a victimless offence. For workers on the front line, it often involves intimidation, abuse and very real violent threats to their safety. A response that strengthens protections for property must also address the risks faced by people on the frontline.”
At the same time, MBIE has released a regulatory impact statement alongside the proposed Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) Amendment Bill stating that armed robbery in a retail environment is not considered a critical risk. Under the proposed changes, small businesses, which make up around 97 percent of New Zealand’s economy, would no longer be required to manage this risk as a critical safety issue.
Taken together, these two Bills present a clear contradiction.
Armstrong says this creates an uncomfortable disconnect for the sector.
“If retail crime is serious enough to warrant targeted investment and legislative reform, then the violence associated with it must also be recognised as a critical risk for retailers of all sizes. We cannot separate harm to businesses from harm to the people working in them.”
Small businesses must be supported with clear guidance and practical tools to identify risks and put appropriate controls in place to keep both their teams and customers safe.
Retailers and their workers need clarity, consistency and genuine protection. ShopCare urges the Government to ensure its legislative approach aligns with its stated commitment to reducing retail crime and safeguarding those on the frontline.