Smokes locked away

Convenience stores act to stem tide of cigarette thefts

PETROL station owners are keeping cigarettes under lock and key as thieves target convenience stores for smokes that can be sold on the black market.

APCO director Peter Anderson says he has been forced to install safe-like passcode systems to keep cigarettes from enterprising criminals keen to on-sell the products.

Police are investigating a break-in at an IGA in Hamlyn Heights yesterday.

Offenders used a grinder to force their way into the Vines Rd supermarket about 1am.

They stole a large amount of cigarettes and fled in a grey Toyota Hilux.

A group of youths allegedly used a stolen car to steal cigarettes from the APCO store in Lara in July.

Mr Anderson said the event had led him to increase security to protect his staff.

“Cigarettes are a good as cash … there is a huge black market,” he said.

“The penalties aren’t good enough, they are far too soft.”

He said he had installed a safe that required attendants to punch in a code to access the cigarettes.

“The theft of cigarettes is starting to rise because the cost (of cigarettes) is going up and up. It is creating a black market,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are putting in safety procedures to secure cigarettes and protect staff.”

Australasian Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Jeff Rogut said the rising cost of cigarettes had resulted in stores becoming increasingly vulnerable to cigarette thefts.

“As the value of tobacco has risen, people see tobacco as valuable and it is a greater target,” Mr Rogut said.

“Police are very aware and convenience store owners are keeping their stock down and in some cases have vending machines.”

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said in 2017 crime gangs had shifted their focus to stealing cigarettes from convenience stores.

The Australian Taxation Office, which investigates illegal tobacco, says regional Victoria continues to be an area of concern.

“The ATO works closely with federal and state law enforcement agencies to disrupt the criminal syndicates who produce and supply illegal tobacco for sale on the black market,” a spokesman said.

“While we do not have figures for the Geelong or Surf Coast, regional Victoria is an area of particular concern.”

Anyone with information on the Hamlyn Heights theft is urged contact Geelong police on 5225 3100 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.