Dickson Village bottle shop issues persist

Staff and residents in a Canberra suburb say alcohol theft and anti-social behaviour persist around four major bottle shops within a tight radius – prompting questions about whether more can be done.

Staff and residents say anti-social behaviour is still a major concern in their Canberra suburb six months after masked teens were caught on camera brazenly looting a bottle shop.

Despite new safety measures, infrastructure planning and public awareness, residents still say crime at Dickson Village in the capital’s inner-north remains present.

“There’s still a group that comes every other week” one Liquorland worker said.

Dickson Village, home to more than a dozen businesses including Coles, Woolworths, Liquorland, a pharmacy, nail salons and a hairdresser, continues to grapple with co-ordinated, daily thefts largely targeting high-end spirits like Malibu, Belvedere, and Grey Goose.

“They don’t run in and out anymore – they linger, pick what they want,” the worker continued.

Local Dickson shopper while an active raid happens

One worker at Liquorland described an experience where a thief was apprehended by another customer and they shattered a bottle of Grey Goose in the process earlier this year.

“I was shaking. My heart was racing. I felt anxious and had no idea what to do,” the worker said.

Four different bottle shops located in one precinct.

Back in February, Dickson Resident Group Committee Member and Town Planner Jane Goffam said the incidents were concerning.

“This is really concerning,” Ms Goffam said.

“We have an unusually high concentration of liquor outlets and safety is our number one issue.”

The Liquorland Dickson, Dickson Liquor Store, BWS Dickson and Dan Murphy’s are all within 100m of each other.

Dickson landscapes, taken in February. Photo: Hannah Farrow

“It’s a bit odd that we have four major alcohol outlets in such a small area,” one local shopper stated on the condition of anonymity.

“There’s 30 stores here … yet we got [sic] a Dan Murphy’s the size of an Olympic swimming pool.”

Coles, which owns the Liquorland franchise, said it has increased efforts to safeguard staff and customers.

“While most of our customers do the right thing, unfortunately a small number don’t,” a Coles spokesman said.

“Despite record levels of investment in technology, security guards and safety training, our team continue to experience unacceptable levels of abuse and threatening behaviours.

“To help us do this we have a range of safety and security measures in place including CCTV, electronic article surveillance (EAS), security guards, body worn cameras and de-escalation training for our team.”

But locals say the measures aren’t enough.

A member of a Canberra community page discussed the robbery, stating: “I was at IGA Dickson and a man took off his shirt before entering. took three bottles of whisky under his arm walked out … Why can’t something be done about this?”

Dickson Village shopper Emily, 25, stated: “It’s like nothing’s changed. You don’t feel safe here after dark … look it makes me uncomfortable.”

“I wouldn’t come to Dickson village at night, you just don’t know what you’ll find yourself in the centre of,” Emily continued.

“Mental health, living rough and crime is a huge issue around here … there are too many problems here.” 

Dickson Local Shops: Photo: Hannah Farrow

An ACT Government spokesman stated: “The government established a multi-agency working group to improve safety, support vulnerable individuals, and enhance the physical environment of the Dickson precinct.”

“This includes working closely with ACT Policing through the Canberra Community Working Group, which has prioritised Dickson for increased patrols and community engagement,” the spokesman said.

“The government has met with residents, businesses, and landlords to understand their experiences and, where possible, provide solutions.

“Further follow-up meetings will occur with residents, businesses and landlords in coming weeks, with direct progress reports provided by responsible areas of Government and ACT Policing.”

The government said there would also be specific outreach to people at risk of homelessness or substance misuse with appropriate community sector services.

The spokesman also said infrastructure upgrades are scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025 and will include improved lighting and utility installations to support CCTV.

An ACT Policing spokesman stated: “ACT Policing has received reports of youth offending and anti-social behaviour in the Dickson shopping centre precinct.”

“Incidents reported to police increase and decrease across the year and are influenced by a range of factors,” the spokesman said.

“Where operational priorities allow, police will conduct regular patrols in an area, but it is important to note that crime in the ACT is not limited to one suburb or region.”

“ACT Policing has also established a business liaison officer to provide a link between police and the business community by identifying concerns and emerging trends, and promoting crime reduction initiatives.”

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