Ballina bottle shop theft incidents surged 144.4 per cent in the year to June 2026, giving the local government area (LGA) NSW’s highest recorded rate.

The Coast Report can reveal that Ballina local government area (LGA) has recorded NSW’s highest rate of bottle shop theft, with incidents surging 144.4 per cent in the year to June 2026.

The latest figures, released in September by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), show police recorded 176 incidents, up from 72 in the preceding 12 months.

Overall retail theft in the Ballina shire rose a huge 84.5 per cent over the same period.

A BOCSAR spokesperson confirmed to The Coast Report that alcohol stolen from bottle shops was the main driver of that increase.

Ballina’s statewide ranking was based on recorded incidents per 100,000 residents, with men aged 25–44 making up the largest group of alleged offenders identified for these thefts in the shire.

Police response to Ballina bottle shop theft

NSW Police told The Coast Report the statistics reflected several factors, including proactive reporting by Ballina businesses and police efforts to identify and record offending.

“Police intelligence indicates several incidents involve repeat offenders, with local police regularly targeting known offenders through proactive investigations and enforcement activities,” a police spokesperson said.

Police said Richmond Police District regularly conducted operations across retail precincts, including retail theft operations such as Operation Percentile, high-visibility patrols, knife-scanning operations and joint activities with retailers and loss prevention officers.

The wider risks extend beyond stolen stock. SafeWork NSW warns retail workers face an increased risk of violence and aggression, with potentially serious physical and psychological impacts.

Stealing alcohol from a bottle shop can result in a larceny charge under NSW law, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Police said officers would continue working with local businesses and licensed premises to improve crime prevention measures, share intelligence and prevent and disrupt retail theft.