Bunnings Security Gates Trial 2025 is underway, with five stores in Melbourne getting new entry and exit gates to boost safety and cut shoplifting. The first one opened in Springvale on Friday, October 31, 2025. The other four – Dandenong, Sunshine, Broadmeadows, and Maribyrnong – will follow soon. This comes as retail crime in Victoria hits record highs, with threats to staff up 66% at Bunnings. The gates aim to deter thieves and create clearer paths at checkouts. Wesfarmers, Bunnings’ parent company, says it’s part of wider efforts to protect workers and shoppers. If the trial works, it could spread to other stores.
What the Bunnings Security Gates Trial Involves
The Bunnings security gates trial uses new barriers at store entrances and exits, much like the ones now in Woolworths and Coles after self-checkouts. They help spot shoplifters and keep paths clear for customers. Bunnings Director of Stores Rod Caust says the goal is safety first. “Retail crime is a crisis,” he noted. “Our team and customers should not face abuse just for shopping or working.” The trial runs in high-risk spots to test if gates reduce theft and make stores feel safer. Features include easy entry for legit shoppers and alerts for suspicious exits.
Why Now? Retail Crime in Victoria
Retail crime in Victoria is exploding, with one in three Aussie thefts happening there – 60% more than other states. The Australian Retailers Association says 79% of Victorians worry about it, vs. 66% elsewhere. Bunnings saw threats rise 66% in two years, with 88% linked to stealing. Kmart and Bunnings theft incidents are up too, including armed robberies. Victoria’s government promises laws to protect retail workers soon, but stores like Bunnings are acting first with the security gates trial to stem losses and fear.
Wesfarmers Retail Safety Measures in Action
Wesfarmers retail safety measures go beyond gates. The company, which owns Bunnings, Kmart, Target, and Priceline, added body cameras, de-escalation training, and guards at risky sites. At the October 2025 AGM, CEO Rob Scott said staff face 1,000+ threats monthly, many with weapons. “It’s a societal problem,” he said, but Wesfarmers is leading with tools like the Bunnings security gates trial. This fits their $2.7 billion profit push – safe stores mean happy customers and steady sales.
Kmart and Bunnings Theft Incidents on the Rise
Kmart and Bunnings theft incidents jumped 29% at Kmart and 66% at Bunnings in two years. Common crimes: Grab-and-runs with tools or clothes, often by groups. In Victoria, 13,500 threats hit Wesfarmers stores last year. One case: A Bunnings worker chased by a knife-wielding thief. These push the Bunnings security gates trial, aiming to slow exits and spot risks early. Police data shows Victoria’s retail theft up 20% since 2023, costing $1 billion yearly.
Australian Retail Theft Statistics: The Bigger Picture
Australian retail theft statistics are grim: $4.5 billion lost in 2024, up 25% from 2022. Victoria leads with 30% of cases, per the National Retail Association. Bunnings crime prevention now includes AI cameras and staff training, but theft costs 1.5% of sales. Nationally, 79% of retailers fear violence, with 60% seeing more incidents. The Bunnings security gates trial tests a fix, but experts call for national laws to match Victoria’s push.
Wesfarmers AGM Retail Safety Update: What’s Next
At the Wesfarmers AGM Retail Safety Update on October 24, 2025, CEO Rob Scott highlighted 13,500 threats last year, up sharply. “No one should face violence at work,” he said. Plans: Expand body cams, partner with police, and roll out Bunnings security gates trial nationwide if successful. Shares dipped 2.47% post-AGM, but analysts praise proactive steps amid $46 billion revenue.
Common FAQs
A: A test in 5 Melbourne stores with new entry/exit barriers to cut theft and boost safety, starting Springvale on October 31, 2025.
A: Retail crime in Victoria is up 20%, with 30% of national thefts – Bunnings saw 66% threat rise, prompting quick action.
A: Gates are part of body cams, training, and guards – AGM update showed 13,500 threats yearly, driving these changes.
A: Up 29% at Kmart, 66% at Bunnings – includes armed grabs, with Victoria worst at $1 billion annual losses.
A: Gates deter exits, pair with AI and staff alerts – Australian retail theft stats show 1.5% sales hit, making prevention key.