Police hunt for arsonists following Melbourne tobacco store fires

Police are hunting for multiple arsonists following three fires that caused more than $4 million in damages to tobacco businesses in Melbourne.

Police are hunting multiple arsonists following three fires that caused more than $4 million in damages to businesses across Melbourne.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said tobacco stores in Pakenham, Deer Park and Patterson Lakes were targeted by unknown offenders.

Investigators released CCTV footage and images in the hope someone may provide information that will help identify those involved.

The initial incident saw four offenders force entry into a shopping centre on Main St in Pakenham before setting fire to a tobacco store inside the centre about 1am on August 3, 2021.

The second incident saw two offenders force entry into a tobacco store on Station Rd in Deer Park about 3.15am on August 7, 2021.

The offenders poured an accelerant inside the store before igniting it, causing an explosion which resulted in one of the offenders catching fire.

On this instance the two primary offenders were seen getting out of light-coloured SUV.

A second light-coloured vehicle, believed to be a Holden Astra, was also seen at the scene and the female occupant of that car is believed to have been acting as a lookout.

A computer-generated image of a woman seen inside a Holden Astra, believed to be similar to the “look out” vehicle from the Deer Park incident. Picture: Victoria Police

The third incident saw two offenders attend a shopping centre on Thompsons Rd in Patterson Lakes on February 9 this year.

They were in a light-coloured Volkswagen Amarok 4WD with a canopy.

The offenders forced entry to a tobacco store and ignited an accelerant causing a large explosion which resulted in one of the offenders catching fire again.

Police believe the offenders who caught fire in the Patterson Lakes and Deer Park incidents would have likely sustained significant injuries and required medical assistance.

“This series of fires has caused significant community impact to local businesses with significant damage not only to the targeted stores but neighbouring businesses as well,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

Anyone who recognises the woman and vehicle, witnessed any of these incidents or can provide information on the identity of those involved is urged to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.