“The Ministry of Health is currently reviewing 2,518 submissions on its draft vaping regulations. However, with some vape shops recently experiencing violent smash and grabs, there’s concern further heavy-handed industry regulation will make matters worse. “Vaping consumers support regulation and high product safety standards. However, under the proposed regulations, vape manufacturers and retailers will be hit hard with many compliance costs. That will only make vape products more expensive and increasingly sought-after by criminals,” says Nancy Loucas, co-director of Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA).”
ARTICLE LINK: Vape Shop Security Will Worsen If Draft Regulations Pass
“A witness to an aggravated robbery at a vape shop hid in a toilet with her teenage daughter and another woman after being confronted by the man, who was armed with a knife and scissors. The woman, who didn’t want to be identified for safety reasons, said she heard a “crash” while browsing at the Shosha store in Porirua, north of Wellington, about 1.30pm on Saturday. As she turned to see where the noise had come from, all she could see was two hands – one of which was wielding scissors with the blades open. The other held a knife that was pointed at the till. The pair walked quietly to the back of the shop and, along with another woman, locked themselves in the toilet. She praised the bravery of the three staff members who were on the shop floor, describing their behaviour during the incident as calm.”
ARTICLE LINK: Women hide in toilet as man armed with knife and scissors robs Porirua vape shop
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