Serial shoplifters face jail under tough new WA laws targeting repeat offenders while people who attack retail staff could face 10 years behind bars.
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The assault retail workers' offence came into effect on Tuesday in a bid to better protect shopping centre, grocery and liquor store workers from injury and abuse.
Police Minister Paul Papalia said violent behaviour towards retail staff "simply doing their job" would not be tolerated.
"Retail workers have every right to feel safe in their workplace," he said.
Under the new laws, individuals who attack staff face up to seven years in prison or three years and a fine of $36,000.
If an offender is armed or in the company of others, the penalty rises to a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment.
The new sentencing options are significantly higher than the previous penalties of 18 months behind bars and a fine of $18,000.
Physical violence against retail workers increased by 56 per cent in the two years to 2023, according to a national survey of 4600 Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association members.
The new laws also contain measures to deter offenders from stealing from retail businesses.
Serial thieves charged with multiple low-level stealing offences will be subject to a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and $24,000 when dealt with summarily.
"WA Police do an incredible job tracking down shoplifters and holding them to account but some serial offenders don't get the message," Mr Papalia said.
"Under these new laws, if shoplifters continue to disregard the law they will go to prison."
Australian Associated Press
