“It made me think about the impact on business, but how it could have really gone badly for the wider community, depending on the weaponry and level of desperation there was.
“We know that across the country, people are becoming quite brazen, but there is also the antisocial aspect, like damaging property.
“Our forum is to better understand what the experiences are for our businesses.”
Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe will attend the event, along with representatives from the Ministerial Advisory Group on Retail Crime.
The group was formed last year to engage with victims and advise the Government on how to reduce offending.
Garner said retailers and business owners were dealing with the impacts of retail crime every day.
“Not just financial loss, but the toll on their staff’s safety, well-being, and sense of security, she said.
“This forum allows them to speak directly with decision-makers, police and national advisors.”
It would not be a one-off event, but the start of a “united effort” to “strengthen safety, confidence and resilience” in Whanganui’s retail and town centre, she said.
There was a series of break-ins along Victoria Ave in 2023, including a ram raid on Bates Watchmakers that caused $10,000 worth of damage.
Nationally, reported theft from retail premises rose by 25.3% in the year to June 2024 (78,693 incidents), while reported physical violence/assault at retail locations increased by 2.6% (4122 incidents).
According to police data, retail theft proceedings – each separate occasion police deal with an alleged offender – in the Central district grew from 653 in 2022 to 1007 in 2024, with 701 so far in 2025.
Inspector Phil Weaver said in a statement that police were committed to working closely with local retailers to prevent, investigate and prosecute retail crime.
“Increased visibility, building partnerships with retailers and information sharing are some of the focus points,” he said.
“Retailers are reminded to report all incidents of theft or dishonesty, regardless of item value, by calling 105 or using the online reporting tool at 105.police.govt.nz."
Garner said the event was not about scaremongering, but to create a “trusted forum” where people could talk about experiences without fear.
“The advisory group can take our feedback on board and into central government.
“Good people are making their way, providing services, and selling products, and this [retail crime] isn’t something they should have to deal with.
“Nobody wants to have to subject staff or customers to it.”
The retail crime forum is at Business Whanganui (139 Guyton St) from 5.30pm on November 24.
Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sport to music. At present his focus is local government, primarily Whanganui District Council.
