Key Takeaways
- A threatening sign was left on the door of a tobacco store in Swan Hill, Victoria, with a message demanding the owner contact a mysterious entity within 24 hours.
- The store owner is refusing to cooperate with police investigators, who have referred the case to the anti-organised crime unit in Melbourne.
- The incident has raised concerns among local shopkeepers, who are worried about their own safety and the potential for violent crime in the area.
- The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce is investigating organised crime links to illegal tobacco sales in the state.
- A bill has been introduced to Victorian Parliament to amend the Tobacco Act and combat firebombing, which has been linked to organised crime in the area.
Introduction to the Incident
The owner of a tobacco store in northern Victoria is refusing to cooperate with investigators after a threatening sign was left on the shop door. The sign, which was discovered on the door of the EZ Mart on Campbell Street, Swan Hill, last Saturday, stated, "You have 24 hours to contact the Commission", and included a phone number to contact through the encrypted social messaging app WhatsApp. The message has raised concerns among local authorities, who are taking the threat seriously and investigating the matter further. According to Detective Inspector David Rowe, the shopkeeper is not willing to work with the police, which is hindering the investigation.
The Investigation
The investigation into the threatening sign has been referred to the anti-organised crime unit in Melbourne, which is part of the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce. This taskforce comprises members of the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, and Australian Border Force, and is responsible for investigating organised crime links to illegal tobacco sales in the state. The fact that the owner of the tobacco store is refusing to cooperate with the police has limited the amount of information that can be gathered, and the intelligence received is currently sitting in the database, awaiting further action. The police are taking the threat seriously, and the incident has raised concerns about the potential for violent crime in the area.
Similar Incidents
The sign left on the door of the EZ Mart is similar to another note that was left on the front window of a Longwarry supermarket in October, just a few days before it was firebombed. Shop workers at the supermarket reported that the firebombing was a case of mistaken identity, but the incident highlights the potential for violent crime in the area. The fact that a similar sign has been left on the door of the EZ Mart has raised concerns among local shopkeepers, who are worried about their own safety and the potential for similar incidents. The police are investigating the incident and are working to determine whether there is any connection between the two events.
Concerns Among Local Shopkeepers
The incident has raised concerns among local shopkeepers, who are worried about their own safety and the potential for violent crime in the area. Shopkeepers in Swan Hill have reported that they have not noticed any suspicious activity, but are now on high alert and are taking steps to protect themselves and their businesses. The ABC has been unable to contact the owner of the tobacco store, who is refusing to cooperate with the police. The incident has highlighted the need for increased security measures in the area, and local authorities are working to reassure shopkeepers and residents that they are taking the threat seriously.
Organised Crime Links
The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce is investigating organised crime links to illegal tobacco sales in the state. The taskforce has been working to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups that are involved in the illicit tobacco trade, and has made several arrests and seizures in recent months. The incident at the EZ Mart has highlighted the potential for violent crime in the area, and the police are working to determine whether there is any connection between the threatening sign and organised crime groups. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Legislative Action
In response to the incident and other similar events, Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, introduced a Bill to Victorian Parliament to amend the Tobacco Act. The bill aims to create a licensing scheme and measures to combat firebombing, which has been linked to organised crime in the area. The bill is currently being considered by parliament, and if passed, would provide increased powers for authorities to regulate the tobacco industry and prevent organised crime groups from operating in the state. The incident at the EZ Mart has highlighted the need for increased action to combat organised crime and protect shopkeepers and residents in the area.
