Victoria Police: Swarming Intelligence Alert

There has been a significant number of swarming incidents overnight. Although these incidents may not have occurred in your municipality, it is not uncommon for offenders to relocate their offending and target stores in neighbouring suburbs.

The common pattern occurring during these incidents:

Multiple offenders enter the retail store during opening hours and target items such as liquor, cigarettes, and other merchandise. In some cases, offenders jump the counter to access cash registers.

Please take the time to “target harden” your store and educate your staff about this current trend. It is important you increase security measures, and we encourage you to review current security practices.

In particular:

• Ensure your staff are implementing regular cash clearances from their registers, and a nightly cash clearance is performed before closing.
• Consider updating CCTV systems and ensure duress alarms are fully operational.
• Consider installing smoke bomb/fog type deterrents.
• Notify your store manager and staff to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour. Reprogram important numbers into your phone, such as your local police station or centre security, and always carry it with you in case of an emergency.
• Go with your gut. If you think your store is about to be swarmed, lock the doors to prevent offenders from entering the premises.
• To minimise risks, never lock offenders inside the store with your staff, this could increase the potential for confrontation and aggression.
• If you witness suspicious behaviour or a crime is in progress, call Triple Zero (000) at the time it is occurring. This gives police the best opportunity to respond in real time.
• Provide detailed descriptions of offenders, including height, build, clothing, vehicle, tattoos, accent etc.

In an emergency call Triple Zero (000) when it is safe to do so. Remember your safety is the priority. Do not put yourself in harm’s way.