In a daring overnight raid, thieves targeted the headquarters of SkinB5, a renowned Australian skincare company, making off with $100,000 worth of stock. The incident adds to the growing list of crimes plaguing Victoria in recent months.
The burglary occurred earlier this week at SkinB5’s Ringwood office. Founder and CEO Judy Cheung-Wood, who has been instrumental in building the brand’s global reputation, expressed her dismay over the incident.
“Unfortunately, I find myself part of the crime statistics this week amid the rising crime waves in our Victorian communities,” she shared on social media.
“My office was hit hard, with $100K worth of SkinB5 stock stolen. Thankfully, we are blessed that no one was hurt or injured.”
Cheung-Wood praised the prompt response of the Ringwood police, noting that officers arrived swiftly and conducted a thorough investigation, including fingerprinting the scene on the same day.
However, she expressed concern over the backlog in forensic analysis, stating,
“I was shocked to learn it could take four months to analyse the evidence due to their heavy workload!”
This incident highlights a broader issue within Victoria’s forensic services. The Victoria Police Forensic Services Department (VPFSD) has been grappling with significant staffing shortages, with up to 40 vacancies unfilled. This shortage has critically hampered the resolution of certain cases, particularly those of lower priority. The increased workload, driven by a surge in crimes such as arson related to illicit tobacco trade and a wave of vehicle thefts linked to juvenile offenders, has further strained the department’s resources.
The backlog in forensic analysis not only delays justice for victims but also poses challenges for law enforcement in apprehending and prosecuting offenders. The extended turnaround times can lead to prolonged investigations and, in some cases, may result in the loss of critical evidence.
In light of the theft, Cheung-Wood has called upon the community for assistance. She urges everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, particularly concerning the sale of SkinB5 products through unauthorised channels.
“Please keep an eye out for any unusual listings or sales of SkinB5 products,” she appealed.
“If you see anything suspicious, let us know. Every bit of help counts in our fight against these criminals!”
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by businesses amid rising crime rates and the critical need for adequately resourced forensic services to ensure timely justice.
Note: We have contacted Victoria Police and Police Minister, the news story will be updated as and when we receive a statement from them.
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