July 10, 2017: In the wake of yet another violent convenience store robbery, this time in Werribee overnight, the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has put the pressure on the Victorian Government to take a tougher stance on crime.
AACS CEO Jeff Rogut has taken the unusual step of outrightly condemning the Government for its lack of action, publicly urging the Police Minister to engage with the convenience industry to understand the reality of the trauma inflicted on people when crimes like this occur.
“Victoria Police recognise the increasing incidence of crimes against convenience stores but they urgently require greater support and resources from the Victorian Government and the judiciary,” Mr Rogut said.
“This is not an opportunistic cry for help. These types of violent robberies are an all-too-common occurrence for people who work in the convenience industry and it’s unacceptable that people should be faced with such terror in the course of doing their job.
“We again encourage the Police Minister to engage with our industry so we can work together to put in place a coordinated action plan to tackle these crimes. We cannot allow these crimes against retailers to continue unchecked.
“The impacts of police failing to investigate petrol thefts, mainly due to a lack of resources and judicial support, and of turning a blind eye to the black market trade of tobacco, despite the fact that illegal tobacco is freely available in local markets around the state, is having a direct impact on crimes committed against convenience stores.
“While we acknowledge that police are in many cases under-resourced, and their efforts are often not backed up by the judicial process, the reality is that criminals who commit these crimes understand that there is very little chance they’ll ever have to face the music. Enough is enough,” he said.
Mr Rogut said he is encouraged that the Victorian Opposition appears to be taking a harder line on crime.
“The operating environment for people working in the convenience industry has never been more dangerous. We require urgent Government and judicial support so that Victoria Police can be empowered to have a meaningful impact on cracking down on crime,” 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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