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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Benita Kolovos Victorian state correspondent

Workers face brazen shoplifters and the wrath of ‘Kens and Karens’ as retail crime surges in Victoria

A retail worker stands in store
As crime rises there are fears for retail workers’ safety, with the Victorian government examining tougher penalties for people who assault, threaten or intimidate them. Composite: Guardian Design / Getty images

“Matthew” was minutes into his break on a night shift at his job in regional Victoria when a woman approached him and asked for a cigarette. He refused.

It wasn’t until he was walking back into the store that he realised she had allegedly stabbed him.

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