A violent assault on the Sunshine Coast has reignited calls for stronger protections for shop staff and tougher action against retail crime. The incident involved Dicky Beach IGA owner Shane Kensett, who was left with serious injuries after being attacked by a group of teenagers.
On the evening of Saturday, 23 August, Kensett confronted a young customer after spotting an alleged theft inside his store. Shortly afterwards, he was assaulted by six teenagers aged between 14 and 17. CCTV footage captured the moment he was punched, kicked, and knocked to the ground before members of the public intervened. The attack left him with a broken nose, severe bruising, concussion, and stitches. All six boys have since been charged with a range of offences, including assault occasioning bodily harm and acts intended to maim.
The attack has had ongoing consequences. Kensett has continued to suffer from persistent headaches that now require medical treatment, a reminder of the lasting physical toll that violence can take on retail workers. His experience has become a focal point in a broader campaign launched by The Courier Mail and its sister publications, aimed at tackling the growing issue of violence in retail environments. The campaign seeks stronger laws, clearer protections, and more effective preventive measures to safeguard staff across the country.
For Kensett, the incident highlighted both the risks faced by shop workers and the lack of adequate protections in place. Although he had never personally experienced violence in his store before this event, some of his staff had previously expressed concerns about their safety. The attack confirmed that the dangers are real and can escalate quickly, leaving workers exposed.
One area of contention is the enforcement of existing laws around theft prevention. In Queensland, retailers have the legal right to request visual bag checks and can refuse entry to anyone who declines. However, many members of the public are unaware of these rights, and staff often face abuse when trying to enforce them. Kensett believes this lack of awareness leaves workers vulnerable and undermines their authority in managing theft and safety concerns.
The circumstances of the attack point to a broader trend in retail theft and youth crime. Kensett noted that while some shoplifting incidents are driven by financial hardship, others are acts of bravado among young people who believe there are few consequences for their behaviour. He has observed a noticeable increase in theft and brazen behaviour over the past year, suggesting a wider problem that extends beyond one store or one suburb.
The police response, while appreciated, has its limits. Officers continue to respond to incidents and charge offenders, but there is frustration among retailers that young offenders face minimal deterrents for repeat low-level crimes. Without meaningful consequences, many believe the cycle of theft and violence will continue. Kensett has called for more effective measures to hold offenders accountable and to support businesses in maintaining safe environments for staff and customers.
As a precaution, Kensett has introduced new safety measures inside his store. Following the attack, he moved scissors from the shop floor to behind the counter, echoing an earlier decision to do the same with knives. These changes reflect the reality that everyday items can quickly become potential weapons in confrontational situations. While such steps help reduce immediate risks, they do little to address the underlying issue of violence and intimidation in the retail sector.
The Sunshine Coast assault has sparked wider discussion about the conditions faced by shop workers across Australia. From small independent grocers to large supermarket chains, staff regularly deal with aggressive behaviour, theft, and the threat of violence. The campaign against retail violence argues that every worker has the right to feel safe during their shift, no matter the size of the store or the community it serves.
Retail crime not only affects the wellbeing of staff but also has financial consequences for businesses already under pressure from rising costs and slim margins. The need for effective solutions—whether through tougher laws, better public education, or improved support for businesses—has never been greater.
Kensett’s experience serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a situation can escalate and how serious the consequences can be. It underscores the need for vigilance, but also for stronger protections that go beyond individual efforts. The campaign now gathering momentum across Australia is calling for change, and the Sunshine Coast attack has provided a powerful example of why action is urgently needed.
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