Small business chair says no need for panic after video emerges of teens’ unprovoked attack on store worker

An unprovoked attack on a Hobart CBD store worker has been shared online, with a business body reassuring that retail crime is not on the rise. WATCH the video.

Video has emerged of a group of youths attacking a Hobart store employee in a brazen and unprovoked attack.

Yet, Tasmania’s Small Business Council’s CEO said this is not part of an increasing spree of crime, instead noting increased awareness of retail crime.

The short video, sent to News Corp, shows a group of four youths running into the Liverpool Street Hobart Aussie Mart convenience store and attacking the store employee.

A youth attacks a Hobart Aussie Mart worker in a night-time attack. Picture: supplied.

One youth appears to hit the worker around the head and wrestle with the man while other youths off camera go behind the till.

Some of the group leave the store before returning to hit the store employee again and throw items, such as food and lighters, on the floor.

The Mercury contacted the Hobart Aussie Mart store owner, but did not receive a statement.

Tasmania Police confirmed that police were called to the shop premises in Liverpool Street, Hobart on the night of June 2 following reports of a disturbance involving youths.

“One youth reportedly presented a knife during the disturbance, and the group left the shop with two cans of soft drink,” a police spokesperson said.

“Police have spoken to two of the youths believed to be involved, and investigations are continuing.”

A group of youths have attacked a Hobart convenience store employee in an unprovoked night-time attack. Picture: supplied.

Current Tasmania Police performance report data shows that offences in the retail environment have seen a 10.1 per cent increase in the financial year to date from April 2024 to April 2025.

Business burglaries have slightly risen in the same period, from 365 statewide incidents recorded to April 2025 compared to 312 offences to April 2024.

While the data and attack may appear shocking to the community, Tasmanian Small Business Council (TSBC) CEO Robert Mallett said it doesn’t appear that retail crimes of this nature are on the rise.

“I’m not getting the sense from businesses that they’re on the increase,” he said.

“We have just had two significant retail crime forums – one organised by the Hobart City Council and Tasmania Police and another by the National Retail Association – they also mirror this idea that these crimes are unfortunately out there, but not increasing.”

Tasmanian Small Business Council CEO Robert Mallett at Parliament lawn Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Mallett stated that big retailers are often a more common target for thieves or assaults, but that small businesses are still “very concerned about their employees’ health and safety.

He also praised the Tasmania Police’s crackdown on retail crime and Operation Saturate.

“These crimes tend to be young offenders so the problem inevitably ramps up around school holidays or when younger people aren’t in school,” Mr Mallet said.

“This is why the TSBC doesn’t support increasing the legal age of criminal responsibility to 14.”

Mr Mallett said any businesses concerned about retail crime should always head to Tasmania Police first for guidance.

He also suggested businesses ensure they have a good quality camera surveillance system backed up to a cloud to assist police if they are targeted.

“If it’s happening to you, it’s happening to someone else,” Mr Mallet stated.

Originally published as Small business chair says no need for panic after video emerges of teens’ unprovoked attack on store worker