Supermarket chain Woolworths New Zealand has reported a significant rise in assaults in its stores in 2023 compared with 2022.

The retailer registered 925 acts of violence and aggression in its stores during the year, increasing 9% from 848 cases in the previous year. 

The retail chain also posted a notable growth in physical assaults, growing 50% to 329 incidents against 219 in 2022.

The retailer did report a reduction in the use of weapons, with a 22% year-on-year drop.

Woolworths New Zealand stores director Jason Stockill expressed alarm over the unacceptable behaviour of offenders in stores.  

He said: "Our team is being threatened and hurt in broad daylight, and despite offenders being arrested and going through the justice system - they're coming back and doing it again. 

“We’ve been pleased to see the focus on law and order and look forward to working with the government further [in] this quarter. 

“Our responsibility is to keep our team and customers safe in our stores, and we’re investing in a range of security measures to help with that, but we can’t do it alone. We need continued collaborative action across government, agency and industry.” 

Woolworths has been proactive in implementing new security measures, investing $45m since 2021 to enhance safety for staff and customers. 

Initiatives include the introduction of team safety cameras across all 191 stores, trolley lock systems, fog cannons, double-entry gates and anti-sweep shelving.  

The company is also considering additional measures such as duress alarms for team members in isolated areas.  

Woolworths New Zealand is also advocating for legislative changes, drawing inspiration from Australia's Workplace Protection Orders and seeking improvements to laws on trespass for retail businesses.