Grog theft monster puts staff, customers in firing line

Liquor retailers face the consequences of a long-term spike in alcohol theft, with half of all stores reporting security incidents each week.

Retail thefts across NSW have increased by five per cent in the past two years, with alcohol the most commonly stolen item.

Data from the state's Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research showed retail thefts had spiked 30 per cent in a decade, with incidents involving stolen alcohol increasing by more than 140 per cent.

The data backed up what the industry was seeing, Retail Drinks Australia chief executive Michael Waters said.

"Retail liquor stores are facing an increasing wave of crime, aggression, and safety concerns, ranging from product theft to, at its most serious, the verbal and physical abuse of owners and staff," he told AAP.

"We know r