Retail Insight Network

NRA and Auror to tackle retail violence and improve safety in Australia

In 2024, Australian retailers using Auror reported a 66% rise in weapon-related incidents and a 30% surge in violence.

Australia's National Retail Association (NRA) has established a strategic partnership with retail crime intelligence platform Auror to enhance the safety of retail employees and tackle the issue of violence within retail crime across the country.

The not-for-profit organisation is set to merge with the Australian Retail Association to form the Australian Retail Council.

As incidents of retail crime become more audacious and violent, the alliance between the NRA and Auror will highlight the serious nature of these offences.

The collaboration seeks to inform policymakers and the public of the magnitude and severity of retail crime, as well as the technology-based solutions required to combat this societal problem.

The team will enhance efforts to achieve key policy objectives and foster positive community outcomes, as stated by NRA interim CEO Lindsay Carroll: “We both share a goal in supporting retailers to stop crime in their stores and create safer environments for the 1.6 million Australian frontline retail workers.

“Retailers and police are collaborating through Auror technology to surface the full scale of this problem, and dedicated police operations across the country can now address retail crime head-on.

In 2024, Australian retailers using Auror's platform have reported a 66% increase in the use of weapons and a 30% rise in violent incidents, underlining the urgency of addressing this issue.

Auror trust and safety senior director Nick McDonnell stated: “We know 10% of offenders are responsible for more than 60% of the total crime in retail - these are repeat offenders that are putting retail workers in harm’s way. Meanwhile, violence, threats, aggression, abuse and even weapons are involved in every one in four events.

“Our renewed mission - to reduce violent retail crime by 50% in the next five years - is a call to action for our retailer and law enforcement communities. This partnership with the NRA is crucial in advancing that mission, helping drive the conversation around stronger and effective collaboration across the sector.”