Northern NSW tobacconists targeted in ram raids and arson hits

NSW Police seek information after a number of tobacconists in Northern NSW were hit by targeted attacks.

Transcript

00:00So, the Financial Crime Squad arson unit, detectives are seeking information in relation

00:06to ram raids and tobacconist attacks, arson attacks, in northern New South Wales.

00:12On the 22nd of September 2024, a stolen Toyota Corolla was driven into a tobacconist in Tweed

00:20Head South.

00:21Two men exited that vehicle and when they exited the vehicle they did some extensive

00:27damage with hammers inside the premises and stole cigarettes.

00:31About a month later, the same people police alleged returned to that shop, however there

00:38was bollards installed in front of that shop and they targeted a neighbouring business.

00:43A MG SUV was driven into that neighbouring business, there was accelerant used, however

00:51it failed to ignite because their lighter simply didn't work.

00:57On the 23rd of October, about a month later, police alleged that the same people used a

01:03Mercedes sedan and drove into a business, a tobacconist in Ballina, completely destroying

01:10that business by setting fire to that vehicle.

01:14That whole building was extensively damaged, the residential premises above were completely

01:21destroyed as were associated commercial properties next to the tobacconist.

01:27Consequently, Strike Force Albany was initiated in relation to this investigation because

01:33police believe that all three incidents are linked and they are in relation to organised

01:39criminal networks selling illicit tobacco.

01:43Police are releasing CCTV footage, we are after a black BMW sedan, information in relation

01:52to that sedan.