‘Stealing is a daily occurrence’: Authorities and retailer reveal how they combat theft

Authorities and industries have come together to tackle rising retail theft – and they have finally found some success. Find out how.

Police and retailers are banding together to combat shoplifting through an innovative “crime intelligence platform” that profiles dangerous or repeat offenders and alerts staff before they even enter a premises.

The platform, Auror, was designed to streamline police reporting of retail crime, identify recidivists and trends, as well as to alert the store of any incoming suspicious identities.

It works as a logging system, where retailers build profiles for people who steal or abuse staff.

The profile includes CCTV footage showing the offending, details the physical appearance of the suspect and recounts their actions, the items they steal and the value of stolen goods.

Auror uses automatic licence plate recognition but does not offer facial recognition.

Prominent South Australian retail boss John-Paul Drake said he had been using Auror since July 2022.

JP Drake at Drakes Wayville compliments Auror theft combating skills. Picture: Tom Huntley

Drakes Wayville showing CCTV of Meat theft and JP Drake trying to stop the theft. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Drake said retail theft was a major concern for them, with their 66 stores – 44 of which are in SA – losing $11m due to stolen and unaccounted items in 2024.

“This stealing is a daily everyday, seven days a week, occurrence,” he said.

Mr Drake said Auror brought him a sense of “comfort” and “safety” for the staff.

“Auror helps us in so many ways,” he said. “Since starting using the system, we have been able to identify 288 repeat offenders that are visiting our stores.

“Auror also notifies the team members whenever a repeat offender comes into the store.

“If a person known to be aggressive, a suspected drug user or alcoholic … or any other incidents involving this person … our staff know they need to be very careful.

“And for us, it’s all about the safety of our team members.”

Mr Drake said in 2024 Auror logged 1798 incidents at his supermarkets, which resulted in police making 32 arrests.

Acting Assistant Commissioner John De Candia said Auror was a useful tool used as part of retail crime task force Operation Measure.

SAPOL Assistant Commissioner John De Candia on retail theft. Picture Brett Hartwig

“I think it’s a really good example of industry working with law enforcement agencies to be able to develop and come up with a product that can be shared and used,” he said.

Police have the master overview of Auror, which allows them to spend more time targeting serious, repeat offenders – as about 21 per cent shoplifters account for all retail theft.

Mr De Candia gave insight into Operation Measure, saying he expected each district to be reviewing any information uploaded to Auror within 24 hours, and making connections between stores.

Recent SA crime statistics reveal a drop in retail theft for the first time in 18 months.

As part of Operation Measure, police have apprehended 1450 people since its inception in March 2022.

In 2024, there were 559 people apprehended and in 2023 there were 447 apprehensions.