Retailers in New Zealand have experienced a 10 per cent increase in weapon-related events compared to last year, according to new data from Auror, a retail crime reporting platform.

The research revealed that nearly one in five retail crimes in the country involved violence, including the use of weapons, intimidation, threats, and abuse.

Knives and blades were the most commonly used, accounting for 46 per cent of all weapon-related incidents.

Retailers also reported a 14 per cent rise in threatening or intimidating behaviour and an 11 per cent increase in serious or violent incidents compared to 2023.

Auror CEO and co-founder Phil Thomson said retail crime in New Zealand is becoming increasingly brazen, violent, and organised.

“The top 10 per cent of offenders caused more than 60 per cent of total harm and loss in New Zealand communities last year,” he said.

Thomson urged retailers to implement precautionary measures to protect their workers.

“New Zealand is not immune to the confronting spikes in violent retail crime we’re seeing overseas – and we need to do everything we can to stay ahead of it,” he added. “Police do incredible work; the challenge is the volume.”