“What we’re asking for here is [for the government] to look at changes to the legislative framework so that it enables police to be able to take different measures than what they’re able to take today.”
Allan’s office has been contacted for comment.
Organised crime syndicates are behind a surge in retail theft.Credit: Marija Ercegovac
Supermarkets and retail groups have reported alarming retail crime figures and say an intricate network of criminal groups is behind it. Professional thieves wielding weapons have learnt to take advantage of retailers’ instructions to staff not to resist and to stay out of harm’s way as they walk out with trolleys of groceries, armfuls of merchandise or cash.
Coles has made headway in stemming losses from systemic theft by rolling out camera monitoring self-service checkouts (“skip scan”), automated security gates (“smart gates”), and “bottom of trolley” technology across hundreds of stores.
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Weckert’s comments came on the day the company launched its Christmas range of 340 products, 225 of which are new.
The supermarket has ramped up its home-brand offerings across its value, middle, and “Coles Finest” tiers to appeal to households feeling more optimistic after three interest rate cuts this year.
“We’ve actually seen about 12 per cent of customers say that they are going to spend more this Christmas, which is, I think, a good early sign of some renewed confidence for customers,” said Weckert.
During the worst of the cost-of-living crisis, Aldi attracted customers away from Woolworths and Coles, which were accused of price-gouging amid high inflation.
Coles has responded by investing heavily into its own-brand range, which now makes up just over a third of sales.
“I think over the last decade or so, the quality of homegrown products has got a lot better,” Weckert said.
“The experience that [customers have] had is that it’s really great quality. They enjoy eating it, and so they come back and buy it again.”
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