A new law and order policy released by the Act Party aimed at combating retail crime has been welcomed by Retail NZ.

To curb the issue of shoplifting and burglary, infringement notices to low-level offenders and a three-strikes policy for burglary are recommended by the party that polling suggests could be in a governing coalition with the National Party after the next election.

Greg Harford, Retail NZ chief, said there is “no silver bullet solution” for retail crime, which impacts all retailers.

“Retail NZ has long advocated for the use of infringement notices to address low-level offending in the retail sector. These notices will enable retailers, police and New Zealand to send a clear message to offenders that we don’t tolerate any retail crime, and that interventions will take place at all levels,” he said.

“The three strikes for burglary policy is another valid tool required to support the sector. Smash and grabs, ram raids and general burglary are significant issues impacting at times multiple locations and undertaken by the same offenders. We must send the message that burglary will not be tolerated and is a serious crime that is not some TikTok trend that should be enabled,” Harford said.

“The cost is both physical in time, money, stock and store, but more importantly the mental health and wellbeing of the small business owners in retail is being impacted. We must support them.

“We are dealing with a significant societal issue that requires multiple initiatives and approaches. Retailers across the country are valued members of communities, we know that Kiwis support multiple steps to address this escalating issue,” he added.