Hurstville Business Safety Forum: retail theft rise prompts calls for better police communication

3 hours ago

3 min read

A meeting between local businesses, police and elected representatives has highlighted gaps in crime-reporting awareness as shoplifting rises across Georges River.

By Joshua Wang | 27 October 2026

Hurstville Business Safety Forum

13:31

When police asked attendees at a Hurstville safety forum whether they knew about the NSW Police Force Community Portal, not a single hand went up.

The moment highlighted a gap in awareness of crime-reporting services during a meeting that brought local business owners face to face with police over shoplifting, staff safety and delays in responding to reported offences.

According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), Georges River recorded 743 incidents of stealing from retail stores in the 12 months to June 2026, up from 614 in the preceding 12 months – an increase of approximately 21 per cent. The figures represent incidents recorded by police, rather than all thefts that may have occurred.

The Hurstville Business Safety Forum was held at Hurstville Library on Thursday, 22 October. It was organised by Federal Member for Barton Ash Ambihaipahar and Georges River Councillor Ben Wang following discussions with local traders about crime prevention and police reporting.

Ambihaipahar told 90.1 2NBC FM she was concerned that business owners might simply accept lower-level theft because police were dealing with more urgent crimes.

“I get worried that people will just cop stuff just because there are more important life threatening issues,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean their issue is not an issue or not important.”

During a question-and-answer session, several attendees voiced frustration about the time taken to receive updates after reporting crime. One woman said she had visited a police station three times over two weeks in an attempt to get a response.

Police representatives encouraged businesses to report theft and explained how the Community Portal can be used for eligible incidents that have already occurred and do not require immediate police attendance. However, the lack of raised hands when attendees were asked about the portal suggested that some were unaware the service existed.

In an interview with 90.1 2NBC FM’s Michael Andon, Detective Kench said a follow-up call should take place within 24 to 48 hours after police had taken a report, stressing that this was not a timeframe for resolving an investigation. NSW Police’s published general guidance says it will attempt to contact victims within seven days and, where possible, provide updates at least every 28 days while an investigation continues.

Kench also urged staff not to confront suspected shoplifters, emphasising that employee safety should take priority over stolen merchandise.

The forum also discussed Auror, a separate retail-crime intelligence platform through which participating retailers can document incidents and share information. It should not be confused with the public-facing NSW Police Community Portal; businesses should check whether an official police report is still required.

Ambihaipahar said she would review feedback from attendees and raise their concerns with relevant state representatives. She indicated that further forums could be considered but did not confirm another event.

The meeting provided an opportunity for residents to ask questions directly of police. Whether it leads to more effective reporting, improved communication or faster responses remains to be seen.

How to report a crime

For emergencies or crimes in progress, call Triple Zero (000). For non-urgent police assistance, call 131 444. Eligible past thefts can be reported through the NSW Police Force Community Portal at portal.police.nsw.gov.au.

Auror is a retail crime intelligence platform that allows participating businesses to record incidents, identify patterns of offending and securely share relevant information with law enforcement. Unlike the NSW Police Community Portal, Auror is designed primarily for retailers and police, rather than public reporting. Businesses should confirm whether a separate official police report is required.

For more information, visit: https://www.auror.co/au