Ann: Annual General Meeting Addresses and Presentation, page-3

To be in 'Herald Sun' print edition on Friday 22 December 2023:

Victorians are shoplifting groceries and alcohol at record levels, an alarming trend police are blaming on cost of living pressures.

In the twelve months to September 2023, the number of thefts in Victoria increased by 22,683 offences (167,099 total), with theft from retail stores driving the rise — up 7308 incidents to reach the highest level on record.

Groceries, clothes and liquor are the most commonly stolen items.

Police say about 40 per cent of the shoplifters are first time offenders.

“Cost of living pressures and rising inflation are linked to this increase,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“In Melbourne, price rises in fuel, alcohol, cigarettes, groceries, and transport aligned with the items targeted in theft from shop incidents.”