Ram raids are having a material impact on small retailers

Like many small retailers, we have seen a material increase in ram raids and aggravated robberies over the last few years. However, we have not seen any statistics to suggest the industry is being specifically targeted. Sadly, the robbery over the weekend of a West Auckland vape store is an example of how these crimes are escalating.

The vape industry employs around 4,000 Kiwis, many of whom are working on the front line in our retail stores – and their safety is paramount. Some of our retailers are now spending up to $10,000 per store to install additional cameras and security. Unfortunately, we seem to be in the grip of a nationwide youth crime wave with teenager’s ram raiding and assaulting people for the rush, as there is often very little financial gain. This behaviour is undertaken with the knowledge that under the current regime there will be little, or no, consequences.

Meanwhile, law abiding businesses are unable to access any meaningful support from Government to help. Police are stretched to capacity and access to the Government’s fog cannon grant has so many exclusions, and technicalities, most retailers can’t access it. On top of this, insurance premiums are often more than the stock taken so losses are taken on the chin in an already struggling retail environment – with more pain forecasted to arrive.