Libs unveil retail theft squad plan

If elected, the state’s Liberal Party will establish a new small business retail theft squad aimed at tackling shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and organised retail theft.

The squad forms part of the Liberals' $500 million plan to boost the number of police in Western Australia by 1,200 officers.

During a press conference earlier today, opposition leader Zak Kirkup said small business owners were tired of having their livelihoods affected by criminal activity.

“The small business retail theft squad will have the skills and expertise to track sophisticated retail theft gangs and to collate intelligence across all police districts, which will enable a better concentration of resources to support hardworking WA small business owners,” he said.

“The last thing our small businesses need after recovering from the impact of COVID is to be fleeced by thieves and have their staff threatened and intimidated.”

The announcement was made this morning at Armadale’s derelict Jull Street Mall, a site plagued by vandalism, violence and anti-social behaviour.

Just six of the 26 shop fronts within the mall still have tenants remaining, less than half the number it had in February last year.

Business owners have joined forces to form the Reconnect Jull Street group, taking to the local government with a $335,000 proposal to reopen Jull Street Mall to one-way vehicle traffic to draw shoppers back to mall, provide passive surveillance and deter loiterers.