Shoplifting from Newman bottle shop plummets after Pilbara banned drinkers register trial begins

Stunning results have emerged of a 90 per cent drop in “brazen” crime at a Newman liquor store since the banned drinkers register trial started in the Pilbara. The program, which rolled out in December last year, prevents problem drinkers from buying take-away alcohol by requesting all liquor store patrons show photo ID when making grog purchases. Identified banned drinkers are refused service and directed to community support networks. Since the start of the trial 58 people have been placed on the register and there have been more than 180,000 photo ID scans, an increase from 119,000 at the opening of the trial. Cellarbrations Newman owner and Shire of East Pilbara councillor Anita Grace, who has 20 years experience at the local watering hole, said shoplifting offences had almost been eliminated entirely with anecdotal evidence of a 90 per cent drop in offences at the store. “Since the BDR has come into play more people are conscious of having to show photo ID before purchasing alcohol,” she said. “They know their name and photo has to be verified on the scanning machines, so it’s been a strong deterrent for any unruly customer looking to do a quick hit and run. “It’s such a good tool and a really positive outcome ... everyone (stakeholders) are working together to get the best outcome.” Ms Grace said crime would always exist but the degree of thefts had reduced significantly and demonstrated the liquor industry’s efforts to remain responsible for the impacts of alcohol. “The most recent shoplifting incident in the store involved the theft of two pre-mix cans as opposed to several bottles of spirits at a time, so that gives you an indication that stealing in the shop isn’t as brazen as what it used to be.” The results follow concerns SOEP and the Shire of Ashburton would reject funding for a University of Western Australia-led evaluation of the trial. Liquor Stores Association of WA chief executive Peter Peck said latest figures were encouraging. “We have only just begun and to get this type of feedback and results is amazing,” he said. Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said he was pleased with the results. “The banned drinkers register trial in the Pilbara is about reducing alcohol-related harm by specifically targeting those who cannot act responsibly,” he said. “It is pleasing to hear that a local liquor store owner has found that the trial is also helping to reduce thefts from her store.” The Kimberley region is set to begin the program in May, with a trial to run in the Goldfields if Labor wins the election.