A small petrol station in the rural town of Loch is facing a spate of break-ins as it continues to serve the local community under increasingly tough conditions.
The Shell Service Station has been targeted three times in just five weeks by would-be thieves attempting to steal cigarettes—though none have been successful in making off with goods. Each incident has left damage, disruption, and rising costs in its wake.
Owner Dominic Mahoney, who has run the station for over 11 years, says the frequency of these break-ins is unprecedented. While the thieves consistently fail to take anything, the aftermath includes property damage, costly repairs, added security, and the administrative burden of yet another insurance claim.
He explained that the intruders are specifically targeting cigarette stock, though the shop’s reinforced tobacco cabinets have so far kept them out. “They try every time, but they can’t get through. The cabinets are built to withstand that kind of attempt,” he said.
After each incident, Dominic has been upgrading his security. From reinforcing doors with steel bars to exploring more advanced locking systems, he’s had to stay one step ahead. One cigarette cabinet, however, was left so badly damaged during a recent attempt that it will need replacing—a cost estimated at around $3,000.
Dominic suspects the motive behind the thefts is clear: resale of cigarettes on the black market, driven by soaring tobacco prices due to increasing government taxes.
Since 2015, the excise on factory-made cigarettes has tripled. Recent federal budget measures introduced further hikes—an additional five per cent annual increase on all tobacco excise rates, on top of regular indexation, set to continue until September 2025.
As of March 2025, the excise and GST combined account for over 83 per cent of the cost of a typical pack of 20 cigarettes. A pack retailing at $37.95 now includes $28.06 in excise and $3.45 in GST, making tobacco a highly valuable and attractive target for theft.
Although security cameras captured the vehicles used in the attempted break-ins, the lack of number plates has made it difficult for authorities to track down the culprits.
Local police are continuing their investigation, and the business owner is urging anyone with information to come forward. Reports can be made anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Despite the setbacks, Dominic remains committed to running his business and serving the Loch community, even as he faces growing financial and emotional strain from repeated criminal activity.
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