NSW Police release CCTV footage to catch culprits who torched, ram raided northern NSW tobacconists

Detectives allege three recent arson attacks on tobacconists are linked to organised crime networks or other gangs. Watch the shocking footage of ram-raids and fires in northern NSW as police warn of a national issue.

Detectives allege three recent arson attacks on tobacconists in northern NSW are linked to organised crime networks selling illegal tobacco, or other gangs targeting businesses and using “traditional standover tactics” linked to the sale of the “lucrative” substance.

Warning that “lives are at stake”, police have released footage of cars ramming into tobacconists, stores being set alight, displays being smashed and shops being set on fire in Tweed Heads and Ballina, as strike force detectives ramp up investigations and step up efforts to find those responsible.

The CCTV shows incidents at two tobacconists, including one in Ballina, where a getaway driver allegedly ran over the foot of a witness who took photos of a black BMW.

The commander of the NSW Police financial crimes squad, Gordon Arbinja, said the illegal tobacco was manufactured overseas and he held “fears” the 14 arson attacks statewide this year could rise as some shops engage in black market cigarette and vape sales.

“We’re not saying all tobacconists are linked to the sale of illegal tobacco, but what we are saying is that people are being targeted, businesses are being targeted, because police allege the organisers are linked to the sale of illicit tobacco by simply standing over them,’’ Detective Superintendent Arbinja said.

CCTV footage from one of the incidents. Picture: NSW Police

“The sale of illicit tobacco is very lucrative because obviously they’re avoiding the excise tax.

“The crux of this problem is the distribution of illicit tobacco, which doesn’t pay any excise duties and is very cheap for the consumer.’’

Police believe the crimes are linked. Picture: NSW Police

The urgent plea for information follows the ram-raiding of a tobacconist on Minjungbal Drive, in Tweed Heads South, about 4.30am on September 22.

Officers arrived to find a Toyota Corolla sedan, believed to have been stolen from Queensland, had been driven into the shop.

A pair of “unknown males” entered the business, destroyed several displays and stole a large amount of cigarettes.

Police were then called to the same tobacconist, following reports a car had driven into a neighbouring business about 2.40am on October 22.

Police have launched a strike force. Picture: NSW Police

They arrived to find a MG SUV had crashed into the store.

Bollards had been placed in front of the tobacconist before two unknown men poured fuel in the business and fled without setting it alight.

The next day, emergency services were called to a building fire on River St, Ballina, about 3.30am.

Officers found a silver Mercedes sedan on fire inside the shopfront of a tobacconist.

Tobacconists are being set on fire.

Police were told the sedan drove into the business and caught fire, with the occupants of the vehicle fleeing the scene.

Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the fire, but the building – including the residential unit above – were destroyed.

The blaze damaged two more vehicles and forced the evacuation of surrounding units.

No injuries were reported.

Strike Force Albany determined the incidents were linked.

Detectives now want to speak to the driver and passengers of a black BMW sedan seen leaving the scene of the second ram-raid, after the driver allegedly tried to run a man over before striking his foot.

Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja at a press conference in Sydney on Friday.

Det Supt Arbinja said verbal threats had been made to businesses before the incidents escalated to arson attacks.

“If they try to protect themselves with bollards, they’ll do everything they can to target that business by setting alight to that business or neighbouring businesses,’’ he said.

There have been 30 arson attacks on Queensland tobacconists, 130 in Victoria, eight in Western Australian and 12 in South Australia over an unconfirmed period, so it’s an extensive problem nationally.

“I have fears. If you look at other states, I can see how much the incidents have risen. I don’t want that to happen in NSW’’.

He said the “criminal activity seems to have no borders.

“It’s exclusive to all of Australia, not just one state.

“I take this very seriously, especially when property and people’s lives are at stake.’’

Anyone with information on the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Originally published as NSW Police release CCTV footage to catch culprits who torched, ram raided northern NSW tobacconists