These stolen items are then resold through illegal supply channels, including directly to restaurants. This raises major concerns about food safety, consumer confidence and the growing difficulty retailers face in tackling theft.
Supermarkets across Australia, especially in Victoria, are experiencing an increase in coordinated theft by criminal groups. The goods stolen are not merely disappearing into households, they are turning up in restaurant kitchens and small shops. With the cost of living rising and demand for restaurant dining falling, some venues appear to be sourcing cheaper ingredients from illicit suppliers, including black-market meat.
Industry data shows a worrying trend. Meat and health and beauty products are the most common targets. While stolen meat ends up in restaurants, beauty products are often sold through informal outlets such as pop-up stores. Investigations involving police and retailers have linked these crimes to organised crime networks, but many details remain confidential to avoid compromising ongoing cases.
The problem is particularly severe in Victoria. Retailers report that stores in the state are experiencing the highest levels of theft, making up a significant share of national incidents. In response, retailers are increasing security, adding more guards, providing body cameras for staff and working closely with police to identify and deter repeat offenders.
Wider strategies are being reviewed, with some experts citing South Australia as a potential model. Measures including assault laws and proposed orders for worker protection appear to be making early progress in reducing theft. If these approaches continue to be effective, other states may consider adopting similar steps to create safer and more secure retail environments.
