Small business theft spikes by 20 per cent reports Bizcover

According to the latest findings from BizCover’s Business Theft Report 2025, theft is not only widespread across Australian businesses, it’s on the rise.

BizCover analysed all business theft claims lodged between January 2022 and August 2025, reviewing incidents by sector, location, timing and the type of items taken. The report discovered thieves are becoming bolder, more opportunistic and, at times, surprisingly creative.

Sharon Kenny, BizCover’s Head of Marketing, says the data offers an important reality check.

“This report provides an expansive snapshot of current theft patterns across small businesses nationwide. The data reveals not only where and when theft is most likely to strike, but also what’s at risk. This can help them stay one step ahead of thieves.”

From the most targeted industries to the strangest stolen items, here’s what Aussie business owners need to know.

Hospitality cops it the worst

If you run a café, takeaway joint or bottle shop, you might want to double-check the locks. Food and drink businesses account for a hefty 28 per cent of all theft claims, making hospitality the most targeted sector.

Retail isn’t far behind on 23 per cent, with clothes stores, grocers and phone shops all common targets. Beauty businesses such as hair salons, spas and cosmetic retailers, take third place at 12 per cent.

Tradies aren’t spared either. Pricey tools and on-site equipment put trade businesses in fourth place, while health and fitness businesses round out the top five.

Together, these industries make up more than three-quarters of all reported thefts.

Kenny says it’s not surprising these sectors dominate the list.

“Food and drink businesses, retail shops, and beauty salons operate in customer-facing environments where access is relatively easy and high-value items are on display or close at hand. On the other hand, tradies face a slightly different challenge.

“Understanding your sector’s specific risks is the first step toward implementing effective protective measures.”

Cash still tops thieves’ shopping lists

Despite the unstoppable rise of tap-and-go, thieves clearly still love cold hard cash. It appears in 20 per cent of all theft claims, making it the number-one most stolen item.

Tools take second spot (11 per cent), followed closely by cash registers. Tech devices,  from phones to laptops, remain hot property too, while jewellery continues to tempt light-fingered crooks.

The report also revealed a few eyebrow-raising outliers. Among the more unusual items stolen were: furniture, neon signage, aviation headsets, a mannequin and, in perhaps the most painful loss, $90,000 worth of collectable trading cards.

Kenny says the variety highlights how unpredictable theft can be.

“The breadth of what’s being stolen is interesting. It shows that thieves are becoming more sophisticated and selective about what they take. From everyday stock and essential equipment to high-value niche items, virtually anything can be a target if a thief understands its value.”

Theft is rising again

After a small dip in 2024, theft is climbing sharply. Compared with January–August 2024, the same period in 2025 saw a 20 per cent increase in incidents.

Kenny says business owners should take the spike seriously.

“The 20 per cent spike we’re seeing now is a wake-up call for business owners.”

Adding to the problem is how long it takes owners to realise and report theft. On average, businesses took 24 days to lodge a claim.

“What’s equally concerning is that it’s taking businesses nearly a month on average to lodge claims,” Kenny says.

That delay means lost time, lost money, and more stress for already-stretched owners.

Spring brings more than hay fever

The data shows clear seasonal patterns. September is historically the peak month for business theft, while November is the quietest.

Kenny suggests there could be a few factors motivating the spring upswing..

“It could be tied to the shift from winter to spring. Businesses usually begin ramping up operations in preparation for spring and summer. Businesses may also be hiring seasonal casual staff, which could potentially create security gaps.”

Whether it’s busier trading periods or less experienced staff, the risk also jumps as the weather warms up.

Meanwhile, thieves also seem to prefer starting their week with a bang. Monday is the most common day for business theft, followed by Thursday. Tuesdays are the quietest.

Victoria tops the theft leaderboard

When it comes to lcaotion, thieves don’t discriminate. Every area of the country is a target. Though some states fare better than others. Victoria accounts for 40 per cent of all theft claims, the highest share of any state. Queensland (23 per cent) and New South Wales (18 per cent) follow, collectively making up roughly 80 per cent of all incidents.

Out west, WA comes in at 8 per cent, South Australia at 7 per cent, and the NT at 2 per cent.

Zoom in further, and some clear hotspots emerge. The Forestdale area in Queensland recorded the most thefts, followed closely by Werribee and Deer Park in Victoria. These are all outer-metro regions with a mix of retail, trades and light-industrial businesses, proving distance from the CBD doesn’t guarantee safety.

“Having a business outside the CBD doesn’t mean that it’s safer. In fact, the combination of valuable stock and equipment, quieter surroundings and longer response times from authorities can make these locations more vulnerable.”

Safeguarding your business

The report suggests theft is unpredictable, increasingly sophisticated and affecting businesses across all sectors, but business owners can take steps to avoid being targeted.

“Business owners cannot afford to be complacent. These trends we’re seeing – rising incidents, diverse targets, reporting delays – all show that theft does not follow a predictable pattern,” Kenny said.

The data also gives business owners the chance to act early.

Simple steps include:

• tightening security around cash and registers
• securing tools and equipment, especially for tradies
• stepping up surveillance in high-risk months
• boosting procedures on Mondays and Thursdays
• conducting more frequent stocktakes
• reviewing insurance cover to ensure theft is included.

Kenny reminds us that when thieves are happy to swipe everything from fashion to furniture, no business can assume it’s too small or too remote to be targeted.

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