Traders on Melbourne’s Elizabeth Street are increasingly refusing to work after dark due to safety concerns amid a surge in crime. Retail and fast-food workers report that ongoing theft, assault, and anti-social behaviour are making the area too dangerous for evening shifts.
Recent data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows a 50 percent rise in crime on Elizabeth Street over the past five years. Retail thefts alone have more than doubled from 201 cases in the previous year to over 440 between April 2023 and March 2024. Other thefts also increased significantly, from 175 to 237, while assaults have been on the rise.
A manager at a local takeaway outlet shared that staffing evening shifts has become a major challenge due to safety concerns. “Some of my staff refuse to work after 6pm because they are too scared,” he said. He described incidents of staff being harassed and verbally abused, attributing much of the trouble to homeless individuals in the area.
Chloe, a fast-food worker, also expressed fears for her safety and requested to be removed from night shifts. She recounted witnessing drug use and violent outbursts from customers, which has heightened her anxiety.
Despite these issues, a Victoria Police spokeswoman noted that Elizabeth Street, a high-traffic area with millions of visitors annually, has a low crime rate relative to visitor numbers. She acknowledged the impact of retail theft on businesses and emphasized ongoing efforts to address it.
A state government spokesperson added that significant investments are being made in police resources and tougher laws to protect retail workers. The government has allocated $4.5 billion to Victoria Police, including funding for over 3,600 new officers, and is introducing stricter penalties for assaults on retail staff.
