A Hobart retail worker is calling for stricter laws after being attacked twice within an hour by a group of youths armed with a hammer.
The shop attendant, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was working his shift at the Liverpool Street TSG tobacconist when nearly a dozen youths first entered the store just after 3pm on Friday.
“I tried to be very polite and I told them like, hey guys, this is the adult one,” he said. “You guys are under 18?”
The group stole chips and jet lighters worth up to $70 before leaving. But they returned about an hour later.
During the second incident around 4:15pm, one youth allegedly pushed past the attendant and grabbed an entire box of lighters worth approximately $150.
“I tried to close the door so he can’t escape,” the worker said. “But on the door side, there was a bunch of kids. And one was with [a] hammer.”
The attendant said a youth outside tried to attack him with the hammer while another inside pushed him, causing a cut to his finger that bled.
“Today, it’s too much. Worst, first ever I have experienced,” he told Pulse on Friday.
The worker said similar incidents occur daily at the store, though usually involving only one or two stolen lighters.
He said he is frustrated with what he sees as inadequate police response.
“I don’t feel safe,” he said. “Today, they came with the hammer. Next day, they might be coming with the knives, with the guns, who knows?”
He closed the shop following the attacks and reported the incidents to police twice.
“I think the government should make some strict rules and some laws that needs to be implemented,” he said. “There’s no point of giving too much freedom to them.”
Tasmania Police confirmed they are investigating reports of a disturbance involving multiple youths in Liverpool Street.
“Anyone with video footage of the disturbance, is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers online at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000,” a police spokesperson said.
“Info can be provided anonymously – quote OR 795733.”
No charges have been laid at this time.
