Teenagers linked to an alleged assault and theft at a Hobart gift shop on Tuesday returned the next day and allegedly stole from the store again, the owner says.
The owner, who did not want to be named, said the girl she alleges attacked her was among the group that returned the following day.
“We were shocked to see the same group of teenagers return to our shop today,” she told Pulse.
“We honestly couldn’t believe they came back so soon.”
She said some of the teenagers stole items from the shop again.
Police are already investigating the reported assault at LuBrano Emporium in the Icon Complex in the CBD on Tuesday afternoon.
According to police, a group of young people went into the shop around 1:15pm and a female struck and kicked the woman working there before stealing items.
The owner told Pulse on Tuesday that four teenagers came into the shop, stole items and got away when she chased them. She said some of them came back later that day with a larger group.
When one of the group picked up an item and tried to leave without paying, the owner said she stepped forward to stop her and was kicked and hit.
“I was frightened and shocked by what happened,” she said. “I never expected to be physically attacked while trying to stop someone from stealing from my shop.”
She did not need an ambulance and her injuries were not reported to be serious. Two women helped call police.
The owner said the shop had full CCTV footage, which was handed to police.
A Tasmanian government spokesperson said the government “will not tolerate youth crime” and says Tasmanians “have a right to feel safe”.
The spokesperson said a dedicated operation targeting youth crime and shoplifting in Hobart’s CBD had started.
“Tasmania Police continues to undertake high visibility patrols focusing on ‘hotspot’ crime areas, particularly targeting locations where youths are known to congregate at specific times.”
The Youth Justice Act is being reviewed, with a focus on breaking the cycle of offending, recognising the impact on victims and communities, promoting diversion and rehabilitation and keeping communities safe.
Consultation is also open on the draft Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2026, which would apply to people of all ages.
Under the draft bill, the Magistrates Court could bar a person who has been violent or damaged property from a workplace for up to 12 months, where there is a serious risk they will do so again.
Breaching an order would carry a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment for a first offence and three years for a second or subsequent offence.
“No one should have to put up with violence or threats simply for doing their job,” the spokesperson said.
