The AACS has welcomed proposed sweeping law reforms that will see all children aged 14 and above tried in adult courts and sentenced as adults for violent crimes committed in Victoria.
The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) represents more than 78,000 convenience store front line staff and across 7,500 stores.
AACS CEO Theo Foukkare commended the Allan Government for taking tough action on youth crime, which he said has ferociously escalated – especially in the retail sector – over recent years.
“Our members are far too often the victims of violent crime at the hands of youth who have weapons like machetes and other edged weapons.
“They come in swinging with weapons and they mentally and physically terrorise staff and other customers.
They trash the shop and steal whatever they want.
“Youth offending used to be petty but not potentially deadly.
It was almost always limited to kids shoplifting some lollies – nowadays we’ve got young teenagers violently swarming and destroying our stores and they’re usually after cigarettes and any other expensive item that they can offload to the black market.
Worst of all, these repeat offenders know the law and that they would be out on bail and able to reoffend again.
“AACS stands firm in its support for the ‘adult time for adult crime’ laws in Victoria.
It’s something we’ve supported in other states, and I commend the Allan Government for this hardline approach.
Additionally, it is important for the Government to continue to evaluate the list of offences included in this moving forward,” Mr Foukkare said.
Under the new laws, anyone aged 14 and over will be tried for violent crimes as an adult, in the adult court system and face adult sentencing.
“This is about safety for all Victorians.
Everyone deserves to be safe in their home, in their community and – for our members especially – in their workplace and one of the best ways we can ensure this is by having these risky, harmful, repeat offenders off the streets,” Mr Foukkare said.
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