August 4, 2017: The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has again urged the Victorian Government to take a tougher stance on crime following another violent robbery committed against a service station employee, this time in Laverton.
“Incidents like this are becoming all too familiar,” said AACS CEO Jeff Rogut.
“No-one should have to go to work in fear of their safety, yet this is regrettably a reality for some people in the convenience industry.
“A soft approach on crime is a major contributing factor. It’s time for a zero tolerance approach,” he said.
Mr Rogut pointed to the Victorian Opposition’s commitment to treat petrol theft as a crime, with the appropriate law enforcement and judicial support, as necessary – particularly in the current climate.
The Opposition’s policy, unveiled earlier this week, represents a new line in the sand nationally in terms of how spiralling incidences of petrol theft crimes are treated.
In addition to renewed calls for the Victorian Government to get tough on crime, the AACS has also called for a moratorium on excise increases on legal tobacco and a coordinated effort to target the illicit tobacco market.
“Crimes against convenience stores often target tobacco, given the high taxes on these products,” Mr Rogut said.
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
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