Shocking footage released of retail assaults, after 25 people jailed

In the almost two years since laws were passed to protect retail staff, 136 shoppers have been charged. Now the government is warning there will be a “zero tolerance” approach to violence. Watch video of the sickening assaults.

Carrying a packet of chips and a two-litre bottle of chocolate milk, a man in a black hoodie is walking out of a Coles supermarket, trailed by a security guard.

As he approaches the exit, he is stopped by another staff member and a scuffle ensues – with the hooded man filmed pushing and shoving the worker before being pulled away.

The video, filmed earlier this month, is among shock supermarket security footage showing retail staff being allegedly assaulted while doing their jobs.

In another clip, from February last year, a man is pictured grabbing a staff member by the lapels at the self-serve check-outs, before pushing the worker over straight onto his back.

Released in conjunction with May Day – a day marking gains made by the labour movement – the footage shows staff being allegedly pushed, stalked or harassed while on the clock.

Shocking assaults in supermarkets have been captured on CCTV, as new figures reveal 25 people have been jailed for violence against retail workers.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal 25 people have been jailed for assaulting retail workers under new laws passed by the state government.

Those 25 people who received custodial sentences were among 64 who had been convicted.

Since June 2023, 136 people have been charged under the laws which make it an offence to assault, harm or wound retail staff.

Offenders face a maximum penalty of 11 years in prison for wounding or causing grievous bodily harm to a retail worker, six years in jail for assaulting a worker and causing actual bodily harm, and four years imprisonment for offences including stalking or harassing – even if no harm is caused.

Offenders face a maximum penalty of 11 years in prison for wounding or causing grievous bodily harm to a retail worker.

Sales assistants at petrol stations, supermarkets and department stores are most likely to suffer an injury at work, according to workers compensation data, with 60 per cent of claims coming from female workers.

Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis said the new footage was a reminder the government takes a “zero-tolerance” approach to assaults or mistreatment of retail staff.

“If you do the wrong thing, if you threaten or assault a retail worker, you can and will be charged,” she said.

Sales assistants at petrol stations, supermarkets and department stores are most likely to be the victims of violence.

The retail workers’ union boss Bernie Smith said that 88 per cent of workers are subject to abuse, including physical violence.

“Don’t ruin our members’ day with bad behaviour in shops (and) don’t ruin your life with a bad decision,” he said.

The tougher penalties for assaults on retail workers were imposed in part because of a sickening attack on Kmart employee Christine Smith in 2019.

Christine Smith was assaulted by a shoplifter while working at a Kmart in Campbelltown. Picture: supplied

Christine Smith’s assault was instrumental in creating tougher penalties. Picture: supplied

Mrs Smith was attacked after she attempted to check the receipt of a woman at the exit of Kmart at Campbelltown.

After Ms Smith put her hand on the woman’s trolley, the shopper hit Ms Smith in the face – and fled as she lay writhing in pain.

Australian Retailers Association Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown said the new laws had been making “progress” in keeping staff safe.

Originally published as Shocking footage released of retail assaults, after 25 people jailed