Coles says 71% of all thefts across its 1,800 stores happen in Victoria — calling it “like a third world country.” Coles warns retail crime is soaring, with organised gangs, high-value thefts and repeat offenders creating risks for staff and customers. They’re urging tougher laws, real consequences and more police support.

Multiple independent and reputable news sources confirm that Coles reports approximately 71% of its retail theft incidents happen in Victoria, despite the state having only a portion of the total stores nationally.abc.net.auabc.net.auColes says 71% of all retail crime in their stores occurs in Victoria Coles executives have publicly called for tougher laws, more police support, and real consequences for offenders, citing organized crime gangs repeatedly targeting stores with high-value thefts.9news.com.au9news.com.auRetail crime: Coles trials locked cabinets, weighted shelves in new shoplifting...+2 more

The description of Victoria as 'like a third world country' comes directly from Coles leadership expressing frustration over perceived inadequate legal consequences and rising retail crime.au.finance.yahoo.comau.finance.yahoo.com'Third world': Coles exec fumes at crime surge Additional sources corroborate that retail crime in Victoria is rising despite security upgrades and that retailers are pushing for dedicated police taskforces and legislative changes to address the issue.theage.com.autheage.com.auVictoria crime statistics: Big rise in crime fuelled by thefts across Melbourne,...+1 more

Organized crime involvement in retail theft is widely reported, with high-volume stealing and resale of stolen goods noted as key challenges.smh.com.ausmh.com.auSupermarket news: Organised crime is hitting supermarkets but customers are...smh.com.ausmh.com.auThe global crime trend taking retailers for a ride While the numerical claim about theft distribution is well-supported, the phrase comparing Victoria to a 'third world country' is an opinion reflecting the severity of the problem from Coles' perspective rather than an empirical fact. The call for tougher laws and more police resources aligns with retailer demands documented in multiple reports.

Overall, the core factual elements about theft rates and organized crime are verified; the emotive language used by Coles executives should be understood as rhetorical emphasis rather than a literal classification.