Overview
- Monash University’s ACRS surveyed 1,047 adults in June 2025 and found more than one in four consider some retail theft justifiable, including not paying (27%), changing price tags (30%), not scanning at self-checkout (32%) and scanning items as cheaper (36%).
- A stark generational divide emerged, with 93% of people aged 55+ saying taking an item without paying is not at all justifiable compared with 46% of those aged 18–34.
- Acceptance extended beyond theft to other deviant behaviors, with 34% justifying misleading staff on unpriced items, 40% writing negative reviews for compensation and 60% staying silent on favorable billing errors.
- The findings align with crime data showing 595,660 theft victims nationally in 2024, a 21-year high, and a 27.6% rise in retail theft in Victoria over the year to June.
- The study urges coordinated action across retailers, police and governments using technology and consistent laws, noting NSW increased penalties in 2023 and Victoria has flagged legislation expected later in 2025.