The majority of retail theft is committed by repeat offenders.
The WA Police Force is committed to catching repeat offenders and you can help us by reporting when a theft takes place at your business using the:
You must register and authenticate your identity before you submit a report for retail theft. This authentication process helps us verify your details and provides accurate information to expedite the handling of your report.
Ensure you fill in the following information accurately:
- A valid email address.
- A valid WA Driver’s Licence (if you have one).
- Date of birth – must be entered in one of the following formats:
- dd/mm/yyyy
- dd-mm-yyyy
- Current or most recent residential address – inclusive of suburb is (accurately spelled) and a valid 4-digit postcode.
Retail theft online reporting form
Call the Police Assistance Centre on 131 444 If you need assistance with the form.
Call 000 immediately if there is any violence involved. Your safety is our highest priority.
Members of the public who are not the business owner or an employee can still report retail theft by contacting Crime Stoppers. You do not need to provide your name if you wish to remain anonymous.
Using the online reporting form: how to videos
Show moreEligibility questions
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Protecting our retail workers and businesses
Show moreThe WA Government introduced updated laws, with significant penalties, to protect retail workers and businesses from crime on 1 July 2024. The changes aim to improve community safety and deter potential offenders.
A ‘assault retail workers’ offence, sees individuals who attack staff in the course of their duties receive up to seven years in prison, or three years and a fine up to $36,000 if convicted summarily.
If the offender is armed or accompanied by others, the penalty can increase to 10 years imprisonment.
The higher penalties for repeat and violent offenders provide additional deterrence for those who look to intimidate, hurt or exploit retailers and those working in the sector.
These penalties apply even if the assault took place away from the retail space if the victim was assaulted as a consequence of their employment.
Repeat offenders convicted of stealing for a third time within 12 months face potential jail time after the ‘fine only’ penalty has been removed for smaller value thefts.
Serial shoplifters may face up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $24,000.
The reforms ensure the justice system can meet community expectations and impose fitting penalties for these offences.
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