Concerned retailers have welcomed a promise from the government to invest in policing strategies to address the booming number of late-night ram raids on luxury stores and shopping malls in recent months. 

Retail NZ chief executive Greg Harford estimates ram raids and other retail crime is costing at least $1 billion a year. 

“This cost comes out of the bottom line of retailers and is putting significant financial strain on the sector,” he said. 

In a pre-Budget law and order announcement, the government has included support or the retail sector, although specific details have yet to be explained.  

“We welcome the announcement made today on the commitment to law and order funding that will support retailers,” said Harford.

“We look forward to seeing the detail and working alongside the government and relevant agencies on initiatives to assist retailers impacted by ram raids and retail crime.” 

In the latest ram raid last week, of a superette in an Auckland suburb, nine offenders, including an 11-year-old driver, were arrested by police. Other recent raids have targeted luxury-label stores in downtown Auckland, provincial retail stores and shopping centres. 

Regardless of the government response, Retail NZ has prepared resources to help retailers take precautions against criminal activity.

“We have a number of support programs available, training, and joint work with government, communities and interest groups to address this issue,” said Harford.