Amid escalating violence linked to Western Australia’s illicit tobacco trade, small business owners are increasingly anxious about becoming collateral damage. This concern grows as WA Police’s illicit tobacco unit investigates another suspected firebombing in Perth’s north.
The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning and marks the third fire in less than two weeks at stores allegedly connected to the illegal tobacco trade. Investigations continue into a suspicious fire in Huntingdale, in Perth’s southeast, while a man was recently charged with criminal damage by fire after a convenience store in Bunbury was destroyed.
Community Fear and Business Impact
The series of fires has left WA business owners and residents living near the affected stores worried about their safety. Many are so concerned that they are reluctant to speak out publicly. One Ballajura local expressed their fear, saying, “Sometimes you have the kids and you’re walking around here and you’re not safe.”
Another resident shared their apprehension with ABC, stating, “It’s getting scary to even walk down the street. Nobody even wants to walk past there anymore. We’re sick to death of it.”
Business owners are also feeling the impact. The owner of two retail stores sharing commercial real estate with suspected illegal smoke shops in the South West, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted past violence. “People tried to ram raid [the store] the week before they were shot at,” the business owner said, noting that they now escort staff to their cars for safety.
Collateral Damage in the Commercial Sector
Amy and Chris Howes, owners of a beauty salon destroyed two weeks ago by a fire, suspect the incident targeted a neighboring convenience store linked to the illegal tobacco trade. Police have charged a 38-year-old South Perth man with aggravated burglary and criminal damage by fire in relation to the incident.
Ms. Howes lamented the loss, stating, “It’s changed everything. My mental health has gone down the tubes completely.” The couple has relocated to a temporary salon space, offered to them rent-free. Mr. Howes called for harsher penalties for those selling illegal tobacco, expressing frustration that “if the cops do a raid, and they find them, they’re just back up and running the next day.”
Real Estate Responsibility and Legal Measures
Bunbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sean McKeown urged landlords and real estate agents to be vigilant. “When you’ve had a shop that’s been empty for a little while, the temptation may be too good to pass up,” he said. In response, landlords have terminated the leases of at least three South West properties raided by police for allegedly selling illegal tobacco.
Local police and the state government are encouraging property owners to take action. South West Police Superintendent Paul Van Noort emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating, “This is not about a cheap bag of smokes. It’s about organized crime … trying to establish themselves here in the South West, and we’re going to have none of it.”
Government Response and Future Actions
The state government has committed to strengthening laws to combat illicit tobacco retailers. Premier Roger Cook has vowed to “crush and destroy” the criminal networks distributing illegal tobacco. He acknowledged that current laws are inadequate for addressing what he termed “underworld activity.”
Opposition police spokesman Adam Hort criticized the pace of change, urging the premier to act swiftly. “I’m pleading with the premier now — is this now the final straw? Is this now when you’re going to act and introduce legislation so we can shut these operations down?” Hort asked, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
“It’s only a matter of time before someone’s hurt,” Hort warned, underscoring the potential for further violence if the issue is not addressed promptly.
The announcement comes as communities and business owners across WA remain on edge, hoping for swift and decisive action to curb the illegal tobacco trade and restore safety and confidence in their neighborhoods.
