Oakleigh fires: CCTV released after Chester Street shops damaged

A man allegedly forced his way into two Oakleigh stores under renovation before lighting fires, causing extensive damage.

Two Oakleigh stores under renovation have been targeted in an arson attack.

Police have released CCTV and photos of a man they wish to speak to, after the Chester St stores were damaged by deliberately lit fires in July.

In the first incident, investigators believe a man forced the front door of a store and started a fire inside about 4.45am July 8, before fleeing.

The shop was extensively damaged.

Investigators believe the same man returned to the mall about 5.30am on July 11, smashing a glass door of another store under renovation, setting a small fire and leaving.

But the fire didn’t take hold and the man returned to the shop about 6.30am and lit another fire which damaged the store.

A man police wish to speak to.

No one was injured in the incidents.

Detectives believe the incidents are linked and are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone that may have seen suspicious activity.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.