As the cost of tobacco goes up, the illegal tobacco trade in Australia has grown, despite increased security measures by retail shop owners. Up to 14% of all tobacco sold in Australia is illegal. Robberies have increased in frequency and those affect are scrambling to form a coordinated strategy. As crime syndicates ratchet up their operations, the issue is beginning to attract national attention and an increase in scrutiny from governmental agencies and independent bodies like Crime Stoppers.
Key Takeaways:
- According to Crime Stoppers Victoria, there have been a reported 450 robberies of tobacco products, causing convenience stores to beef up their store security and safes.
- Tobacco products stolen from retail establishments account for 14 percent of all tobacco produced in Australia and has fueled a tobacco black market in the country.
- According to video footage released by Crime Stoppers, the brazen tobacco thieves terrorize retail staff and often armed with dangerous weapons.
“All stores selling tobacco are advised to update the training of their staff as to how to handle themselves in the event of such a holdup.”
Read more: http://c-store.com.au/2017/09/12/tobacco-robberies-terrorising-retailer-workers/
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