SMALL retailers have met police to air their concerns about the growing problem of store theft in the Coffs Harbour CBD, particularly along the northern end of Harbour Drive.
The meeting was organised by business owner Htun Htun Oo.
“Many small retailers aren’t sure how to report crimes or get support. This meeting was a first step,” he said.
“We hope that at least one of the next steps will be a public information session for retailers.”
At the informal meeting with Police Minister Yasmin Catley, Coffs/Clarence Police District Commander Superintendent Joanne Schultz and Councillor Tony Judge, the retailers said the problem is only getting worse.
The Coffs retail precinct is experiencing one of the steepest increases in theft across the state and business owners say real solutions are needed; from better reporting systems to stronger enforcement and community-led prevention strategies.
Reported crime data shows that there were 329 shoplifting incidents in Coffs Harbour local government area (LGA) in the year from March 2023 to March 2024 – up from 230 in 2022 and 270 in 2023.
Due to under-reporting, the real number is almost certainly higher.
Other available data, including from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), shows shoplifting in the Coffs Harbour region rose by more than four times the state average during the years to September 2023.
Store owners are feeling the pressure.
Aaron Norton, who has managed the Super Bargains store for eight years, said that while they lost $8000 in theft in the past year, there’s not much they can do.
“We don’t bother calling the police anymore because the process takes so long… about an hour to complete a report.
“And then they will probably send a police officer six to eight weeks later to view any video footage.
“Given they have items stolen daily, this would be very time consuming.
“Even after taking all these steps and if it gets to the point where they catch the person who is given a court order to pay back the money [equivalent to the stolen items], they usually don’t pay.
“So, you have to go through it all again,” he said, highlighting the futility of the process.
“While we know it’s not the safest way to deal with it, sometimes you feel that physically approaching them to get back the item is the only way you’re going to get a result.”
Mr Norton shared a disturbing incident involving the store’s elderly owner, who was injured while trying to stop a theft.
“He ended up in hospital with permanent damage to his arm.
“But it wasn’t made clear to him that he needed to press charges, so nothing happened.”
Maseh Asady, who owns Silk Road Afghan shop, echoed these concerns.
“People are doing it openly – not even trying to hide it,” he said.
“It’s mostly teenagers, and it’s worse during school holidays.”
Mr Asady said a recent period of increased police presence in the precinct temporarily helped to reduce theft.
“Since then, the activity has slowed, so I’d like to see regular police walk-throughs.”
Councillor Judge said both the police representatives and the local businesses raised some innovative ideas.
“The meeting discussed the impact of vacant shopfronts and how activating empty spaces could improve safety and vibrancy,” he said.
“I’ll be taking this and other ideas to Council.”
Police Minister Catley welcomed the opportunity to speak directly with local retailers.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities,” she said.
“Our meeting was an opportunity to discuss retailers’ concerns, including shoplifting, and how police can assist.”
Superintendent Schultz agreed that forums like this helped strengthen community ties and improve how incidents are reported and responded to.
“I have made an undertaking to continue to work together so will be definitely following up.”
Shoplifting is estimated to cost NSW businesses up to $5.5 billion each year.
By Leigh WATSON
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