POLICE are concerned that an escalation in turf-war arson attacks, around the state’s widespread illegal tobacco trade, could be coming to a shopping centre near you.
And they have taken to contacting landlords directly to underscore the risks, not only to their properties, but also to neighbours as well as impacting the cost of insurance.
As well as starting a letter-writing campaign addressed to landlords, police have issued the following statement:
“Victoria Police is working closely with councils across Victoria to distribute a letter to landlords this week as part of the investigative response to arson attacks at tobacco stores.
“The purpose of the letter is to highlight to landlords the current risks around businesses operating who are engaged in illicit activity, and the risk they present.
“This includes the risk to current insurance arrangements as well as the potential for nearby businesses and properties to be adversely impacted by the fires and other criminal activity.
“Two letters are being distributed, one for properties where warrants have been executed and illicit products have been seized, while the second is more general.
“Landlords of properties currently rented to businesses selling tobacco should expect to receive a letter in the next fortnight.”
Acting Commander Jason Kelly, Crime Command, is looking for community help:
“We’ve always been clear that police alone cannot solve these issues around organised crime and illicit tobacco.
“More than ever, assistance and information from store owners, staff, other shop owners and members of the community is crucial. The intelligence they can provide may be crucial in preventing an arson attack or holding those involved in serious criminality to account.
“We encourage anyone with information to speak to police, or information can also be provided to police anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
“This series has now been running for 15 months and while we have arrested a significant number of people and put them before the court, we acknowledge we need to look at innovative ways to target this issue. One way of doing this is by speaking to those who own these properties and lease them to people actively engaging in organised crime.
“Not only does this criminal behaviour put neighbouring businesses and innocent members of the community at risk, it may impact any potential insurance pay out to the building owner. Those owners need to be aware of this and be aware of who is leasing the buildings they own.”
Letter to landlords
Dear Landlords. Recent arson attacks have led to detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad and the Lunar Taskforce locating illegal tobacco, including cigarettes and vapes inside the premises subject to the arson attacks. In addition, multiple warrants have been executed throughout Victoria during which such products have allegedly been located and alleged offenders charged.
The above events have led to general discussions between Police and Insurance companies.
As a result of these discussions, Victoria Police has been made aware that the sale of illegal products in a retail premises may adversely impact on the status of an owner’s policy of building and liability insurance should a claim be subsequently made.
It is recommended that you raise this matter with your insurer forthwith.
Any further queries or information, please contact: Crime Stoppers phone 1800 333 000 to report information on illicit activity.
