Tobacco shop on Major Rd in Fawkner attacked in a ram raid

Police are investigating whether a ram raid at a tobacco store in Melbourne’s north is connected to the recent arson attacks on tobacco stores.

CVT tobacco store on Majors Rd in Fawkner was ram raided on Thursday morning. Picture: Jason Edwards

A tobacco store in Melbourne’s north has been ram raided in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to a ram raid at CVT tobacco on Majors Rd sat Fawkner about 4.45am.

Police believe the offender attempted to drive through the store’s roller doors and set the vehicle alight.

Police speak to some men out the front of the store. Picture: Jason Edwards

No one was inside at the time of the incident and the offender fled the scene on foot.

Police at the scene. Picture: Jason Edwards

Police are investigating whether the ram raid had any links to other recent similar incidents.

The roller door has been damaged. Picture: Jason Edwards

A neighbouring shop owner, who didn’t wish to be named, said the attack was scary but not surprising.

“These things happen here. I feel very bad for the owner,” he said.

Police speak to men out the front of the store. Picture: Jason Edwards

Premier Jacinta Allan said Victoria Police wa devoting a “huge amount of resources” to tackle the growing number of tobacco store fires.

A Fawkner Tobacco store — CVT tobacco on Majors Rd — is the latest to be ram-raided in a string of incidents involving tobacco stores. Picture: Himangi Singh.

“They are disgraceful attacks on businesses and also there is that safety risk as well, which is why there is a huge amount of resources that have been devoted from Victoria Police to this task,” she said.

Ms Allan said police had already made a number of arrests through its dedicated Operation Lunar.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, with dashcam or seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.