Victorian retail workers are dealing with a crime every five minutes as the state grapples with an “alarming” crime crisis that shows no signs of getting better.

Supermarket giant Coles is leading a push by retailers for the ability to ban serial offenders from stores, and immediate reforms to adequately punish criminals who assault their workers.

Data released by the Crime Statistics Agency on Thursday shows that crime across the state increased by more than 15 per cent in the year ending June 30, an increase of 86,587 recorded offences.

Four of the five fastest-growing crimes are theft: stealing from cars, theft of cars, shoplifting and broader robbery offences. The fifth-highest crime was family violence.

“We’re seeing a criminal offence at least once every five minutes in a retail

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