Join Mel Robertson for an inside look at how Invercargill Police are tackling the issue head on…

With growing levels of antisocial behaviour and youth disorder driving up retail crime in New Zealand, many LP teams are already well past asking what’s happening – the real question now is what actually works…

With that in mind, we are delighted to announce that Mel Robertson, Area Prevention Manager at Invercargill Police, will be tackling this issue at Retail Risk – Auckland in just a few weeks’ time.

In her presentation, Mel will outline how Southland Police responded to escalating retail crime and youth disorder by taking clear ownership of the issue and deliberately building strong partnerships with local retailers and community agencies.

Beginning with Project Switch, Police shifted from a reactive model to a prevention‑focused, collaborative approach that improved reporting, clearance rates, and retailer confidence. As street‑level harm evolved into wider youth disorder within the Invercargill CBD, the same principles were applied through Project CBD – bringing retailers, Council, youth services, and community partners together to address the causes, environments, and behaviours driving harm.

This session demonstrates how shared ownership, honest engagement and sustained partnerships can deliver measurable results – even in complex, high-pressure retail environments.

About Mel

Mel is a Senior Sergeant with 15 years’ policing experience across frontline and prevention-focused roles. In Southland, she leads a prevention strategy designed to reduce demand on frontline services through proactive, problem-solving approaches.

Southland’s strategy has delivered proven success, particularly in the retail crime and inner-city offending space, where it has achieved one of the most significant reductions in retail crime nationally.

Mel’s approach is grounded in a simple but powerful principle; clearly identify the problem, genuinely own it, and work collaboratively to create long-term, sustainable solutions.

Retail Risk – Auckland takes place on 4th March 2026. Register now to receive your free access-all-areas VIP pass, which also entitles you to a complementary lunch and refreshments.