AACS: NEW STATS SHINE SPOTLIGHT ON VICTORIA’S CRIME CRISIS

March 15, 2018: From December 2014 to 2017, the number of criminal offences recorded at service stations rose nearly 39%, with store operators increasingly faced with aggravated burglaries and theft. Surely enough is enough, says Jeff Rogut of the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), who has renewed calls for a zero-tolerance approach to crime.
“In Victoria, more than 10,000 crimes were recorded at service stations in 2017. Many more went unreported, as store operators often don’t see the point in reporting crimes when they know no action will be taken,” Mr Rogut explains.
“At what point do Victorians demand more from their elected officials when it comes to cracking down on crime? From the perspective of our industry, and the people who work in convenience stores whose personal safety is at risk every day, crime will be the most important election issue.
“Government claims that suggest crime is down would be downright laughable if the situation was not so critical. But no amount of selective interpretation of crime statistics can wallpaper over the situation on the ground. Convenience store owners know it and the community knows it too.
“The Opposition has committed to a zero-tolerance approach to crime in Victoria which we strongly support on behalf of our members. We await the Government’s move,” Mr Rogut says.
In the December 2014-2017 period, aggravated burglaries were up 650% and theft was up nearly 120%, according to Crime Statistics Agency figures.
The Victorian Opposition has previously declared that, if elected, it will formally move to make petrol theft a crime, and Mr Rogut has called on the Government to match this declaration.
A genuine crackdown on the illicit tobacco market is another area requiring immediate and strong action.
“What we are seeking for the people in our industry and the community more broadly is simple: a proper effort to support people’s safety. Violent crimes against convenience stores are on the rise, black market tobacco is readily available in the community, petrol theft is a regular occurrence and other thefts take place in every store, every day. It has to stop,” Mr Rogut says.
“We need zero-tolerance now.”
Further information:                                                                                             
Jeff Rogut
Chief Executive Officer
Australasian Association of Convenience Stores
Ph: +61 467 873 789
Media enquiries:     
Stephen Naylor
Wise McBaron Communication
Ph: +61 (2) 9279 4770