The firebombing of a tobacco store in Mooroopna in the early hours of yesterday morning is a deeply troubling example of the escalating violence linked to the tobacco trade across Victoria.
Detectives from Victoria Police are investigating after the store on McLennan Street was destroyed by fire around 3am. Detectives are also investigating whether the blaze is linked to another tobacco store fire in the same strip of shops on February 3.
Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, Tim McCurdy said that while investigations are ongoing, the growing pattern of serious incidents highlights the increasing risk to communities, workers and emergency services.
“Firebombings and violent attacks are completely unacceptable. Communities should not be living with this level of danger, and yet the government continues to rely on weak measures that fail to deter organised crime.”
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe said the incident has shaken the local community.
“The community and local business owners are shocked to see this happen again only three weeks after the previous incident, and are frustrated by the lack of police presence, with the Mooroopna Police Station rarely open.
“This not only impacts the targeted buildings but also surrounding businesses that are forced to close while damage to their premises is addressed,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Mr McCurdy said Victoria urgently needs stronger enforcement and greater police powers to prevent further incidents, warning that the current system is not working.
“Fourteen inspectors to cover more than 1,000 illicit tobacco shops is laughable.”
