I see on FB that Skyblue also had a break in last night. Not sure how bad it was but I hope all our vendors are increasing their security and they are properly insured.
Another Robbery
- Thread starter Kaizer
- Start date
The e-cig stores in the malls even aswell.
The skelms finally realize how expensive and in demand mods are, so just a word of caution to everyone vaping out and about, please be safe as they are not just going to hit stores, I have heard of people being mugged for there devices.
This is really sad but it is the reality we find ourselves in
This is really sad but it is the reality we find ourselves in
Wouldnt surprise me if its the same bastards
this is terrible, looks like they are definitely targeting vape stores now.
Who robs a vape store, I mean yoh. Either these guys vape or done their research on how vaping is growing.
I'd understand if it was one vendor, maybe guys just trying their luck but so many. something fishy.
I'd understand if it was one vendor, maybe guys just trying their luck but so many. something fishy.
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I think its important to get the message out that nobody should buy these stolen goods, if it looks to good to be true it probably is, lets not create a supply and demand for a vaping black market, it will be detrimental to the industry.
Absolutely sickening!
@Rafique, it's not research on how vaping is growing, but on how much vaping products can be sold for if you fill a box with them. The thieves' favourite is jewelry and Kruger Rands, then guns, then Apple and other personal devices, then cameras and laptops. Once we get down to bulky items like CRT TVs and desktop PCs, they become too much of a schlep to steal at too low a selling cost. Despite having had a couple of break-ins, I've never had my CRT TV or desktop PC stolen. They're too big and heavy to be worth it.
I guess vape gear is in the camera/laptop region when it comes to value per weight/volume. So it will be popular with thieves. Concentrates too although it would be hard to move those because the bottles are branded with the victim vendor's name. But if they can get the bulk container as it comes from the supplier, eish man. At R40 per 10ml, a 2l bottle of concentrate is worth 8 grand retail. Criminals will want that big time.
They will probably find that this is a syndicate that knows about the value of vape gear and is targeting vendors as they perceive them to be low-security businesses. These syndicates have moles everywhere - delivery and courier companies, maintenance services, and a whole bunch of other service providers who are given access to business premises. If you are keeping relatively large volumes of valuable stock, chances are the syndicates know about you already. Even if you run a business from home and you don't allow collections. Criminals have eyes everywhere. Be safe, peeps.
Let's hope the police move swiftly on this. I reckon they should start their investigation by finding out which service companies serve both Vapers Corner and Skyblue. That is probably where the info about valuable stock is being leaked to the syndicate. Find that oke and you can find the syndicate.
I guess vape gear is in the camera/laptop region when it comes to value per weight/volume. So it will be popular with thieves. Concentrates too although it would be hard to move those because the bottles are branded with the victim vendor's name. But if they can get the bulk container as it comes from the supplier, eish man. At R40 per 10ml, a 2l bottle of concentrate is worth 8 grand retail. Criminals will want that big time.
They will probably find that this is a syndicate that knows about the value of vape gear and is targeting vendors as they perceive them to be low-security businesses. These syndicates have moles everywhere - delivery and courier companies, maintenance services, and a whole bunch of other service providers who are given access to business premises. If you are keeping relatively large volumes of valuable stock, chances are the syndicates know about you already. Even if you run a business from home and you don't allow collections. Criminals have eyes everywhere. Be safe, peeps.
Let's hope the police move swiftly on this. I reckon they should start their investigation by finding out which service companies serve both Vapers Corner and Skyblue. That is probably where the info about valuable stock is being leaked to the syndicate. Find that oke and you can find the syndicate.
To make things more complicated, I believe their big barrels of PG and VG were also stolen. Those could be decanted into smaller bottles with new labels.
Bloody honde!
Bloody honde!
There must be some scumbags out there that are selling these stolen items, most likely informal traders that don't pay tax, put up shop anywhere and hide in these tax free, almost lawless " malls". Sickens me.
Just a question this, in terms of insurance, how do you insure stuff like barrels of VG/PG. Or does it fall under normal business contents
This is really terrible news, and also maybe good ---- bear with me, with vape stores now being targets, it does indicate the general public's recognition of vaping as a solid alternative to smoking! that is good... but it is terrible, super happy that insurance was taken! Good luck and come back stronger SkyBlue!!!!!
I still think these guys are opening a shop somewhere. Maybe not within our borders
Or funnelling down to fleamarket stalls
I said that too.
To avoid unwittingly buying from a vendor carrying stolen stock, I’m going to place a moratorium on purchases from any new vendors that come into operation after these two robberies.
I will only buy from vendors that I have purchased from before or from vendors that I know were in operation before the robberies.
There should be some way that the community can invite new vendors to join an association and that association can vet the source of their stock before we support them.
I know this isn’t very well thought out but it is just added here to inspire someone with a clear mind to address the problem.
I will only buy from vendors that I have purchased from before or from vendors that I know were in operation before the robberies.
There should be some way that the community can invite new vendors to join an association and that association can vet the source of their stock before we support them.
I know this isn’t very well thought out but it is just added here to inspire someone with a clear mind to address the problem.
Was at another local shop and heard the news , sickening ...
The issue is whenever you have cash in your shop and lots of inventory , you are a target.
I think the location (just off N1) also made it a prime target , just hope Derick and Melinda are OK!
The issue is whenever you have cash in your shop and lots of inventory , you are a target.
I think the location (just off N1) also made it a prime target , just hope Derick and Melinda are OK!
It's not long before the criminals catch wind that all these shiny expensive mods are valuable, easy to mug, and easy to conceal / transport, easy to re sell. Be careful when vaping in the city or at shopping malls. They are not all stupid. They know what is of value and what is not. They know what sells well on the black market and what does not.
There are not many ways to prevent your mod from being robbed off you. However, if you know you are going to keep a particular mod for life, have your name and ID number engraved on it, perhaps on the inside, in the battery compartment, or use a dremmel to mark it. That makes it difficult for them to sell. And easy for the police to return it to you if recovered.
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There are not many ways to prevent your mod from being robbed off you. However, if you know you are going to keep a particular mod for life, have your name and ID number engraved on it, perhaps on the inside, in the battery compartment, or use a dremmel to mark it. That makes it difficult for them to sell. And easy for the police to return it to you if recovered.
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Stock stolen from Skyblue Vaping has found its way to the flea markets. Police confiscated the stock and "interviewed" the stall owner/clerk .
All I know.
All I know.
I hope they gave them a nice "interview" and they must give the okes supplier a good "interview" also...
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