Holiday shoplifting at 20-year high: Indian-Australian retailers reveal impact and losses

Various reports and statistics reveal that not only are shoplifting incidences at an all-time high, but also that shoplifting is becoming an acceptable behaviour in younger age groups. Gurmeet Tuli (left) shares the experiences of Indian-origin retailers. Credit: Supplied by Gurmeet Tuli/Getty Images

With the festive rush underway, shoplifting has surged across Australia, reaching a 20-year high, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. We speak with Sydney based Gurmeet Tuli, head of Little India Australia, representing nearly 90 Indian-origin small businesses. Tuli notes that while theft peaks for Indian businesses around Diwali, the broader holiday period consistently brings the highest losses, often 8–12%. He shares common patterns observed in these crimes and practical steps retailers can take to protect their stores.

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Published 8 December 2025 9:52am

By Vrishali Jain

Source: SBS

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With the festive rush underway, shoplifting has surged across Australia, reaching a 20-year high, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. We speak with Sydney based Gurmeet Tuli, head of Little India Australia, representing nearly 90 Indian-origin small businesses. Tuli notes that while theft peaks for Indian businesses around Diwali, the broader holiday period consistently brings the highest losses, often 8–12%. He shares common patterns observed in these crimes and practical steps retailers can take to protect their stores.

Disclaimer: The views presented in this interview are that of the interviewee.

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