Coles says threats against Victorian staff have surged 85% in two years
Coles reports an 85% rise in threatening incidents toward its employees in Victoria over the past two years, citing video of a hammer-wielding customer and a security guard thrown into a checkout.
Coles disclosed that threatening behaviour toward its Victorian employees has climbed 85% in the last two years, a surge reflected in footage of a customer threatening staff with a hammer and another forcing a security guard into a checkout unit. Matt Swindells, the company's chief operations and supply chain officer, said the state’s figures exceed the national increase of 65%, while South Australia recorded a 16% drop.
The retailer has added body-worn and motion-detect cameras and increased security patrols, yet repeat offenders continue to return. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll announced workplace protection orders will be introduced by July 2027, but unions, led by Michael Donovan, are pressing for an earlier rollout. Victoria Police, represented by Assistant Commissioner Jo Stafford, has boosted officer presence in Melbourne’s CBD and supports stronger measures against repeat offenders.
Why it matters
Rising violence in stores threatens worker safety and could deter people from retail jobs.
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