Butchers targeted by shoplifting gangs

Police say well-organised gangs of shoplifters are travelling across Tasmania to satisfy a lucrative black market that supplies a highly sought after product — meat.

Five shoplifters, who have allegedly stolen more than $1,000 worth of meat each, have been arrested over the past fortnight.

Police say the high cost of living has triggered the unexpected crime wave and say thousands of dollars worth of meat is being stolen from Tasmanian supermarkets each week — via redwolf.newsvine.com