Concern The Rise In Nangs Use Feeding Retail Crime

Retail NZ is concerned the rapid rise in nangs use is helping to fuel retail crime.

Police announced this week they would be increasing efforts to crack down on the improper use of nitrous oxide, which it says is behind a growing number of traffic accidents due to drivers being impaired after huffing the gas.

“We are calling on retailers to cooperate with police efforts to stamp out the improper and unsafe use of nitrous oxide cannisters,” Retail NZ chief executive, Carolyn Young, says.

“We have sent guidance to our members outlining their responsibilities if they are selling these products, reminding them that they can only be sold to people for legitimate purposes, such as whipping cream, and if they suspect the buyer is purchasing it to huff, to refuse the sale,” Ms Young says.

“Worryingly, we are also hearing reports of nangs-use being a driver behind some incidents of retail crime. Not only are the cannisters being stolen from shelves, but some larger-scale robberies and ram raids have been linked to offenders planning to use the profits from the stolen good to finance their nangs habit.”

“We are recommending that any non-specialist retailers selling the cannisters reconsider that decision, as anyone needing them for legitimate purposes can purchase them from specialist suppliers.”

Ms Young says Retail NZ supports police in its efforts and commends them for taking a graduated approach to enforcement, starting with an educational and awareness approach by first visiting retailers to ensure they understand the cannisters can’t be sold to customers for huffing.

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