Melbourne tobacco stores in Coburg, Footscray set on fire in latest attacks

The landlord of a tobacco store in Coburg — one of two firebombed overnight — said he had been bracing to become collateral damage in Melbourne’s raging illegal war over the illicit smokes trade.

Two more tobacco stores in Melbourne’s north and west have been firebombed in overnight attacks.

Emergency crews were called to tobacco, vape and shisha retail shop Blck & Bronze on Sydney Rd in Coburg, around 4:20am Friday.

The shop was badly damaged but firefighters stopped the blaze from spreading to other shops.

The fire was brought under control at about 5am.

Firefighters outside Blck & Bronze tobacco store on Friday. Picture: Pippa Salmon

The fire was brought under control in about half an hour. Picture: Pippa Salmon

The owner of the building said he woke this morning and heard the news of the blaze.

“It was probably just a matter of time before it happened,” he said.

“Every day you wake up and hear about another tobacco store that has been lit on fire, and one day it comes and bites you.”

The building owner does not operate the store.

Firefighters battle the blaze Friday morning. Picture: Supplied

Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Paul Eckholdt said about 30 firefighters responded and brought the fire under control in about half an hour.

“The building is completely gutted, there’s an extensive amount of damage,” he said.

“I would say, looking at it now, the building will probably need to be demolished.”

Another tobacco store in Paisley St, Footscray, was also set alight in an early morning attack.

Three tobacco stores have been firebombed across Melbourne in the past two days as a war over the state’s illegal tobacco trade rolls on.

Victoria Police figures show there have been 65 tobacco store arsons since March last year.

On top of those have been firebombings of a range of businesses including restaurants, clubs and mechanical workshops.

Scores of cars — many prestige models — have also been blown up after being used to ram targets or as getaway vehicles.

Victoria Police established the Lunar taskforce in October last year to tackle those involved in the mayhem.

Lunar has so far made 65 arrests, among them a man regarded as one of the main protagonists.

The Herald Sun has been told most of the more recent wave of blazes is connected to standover demands rather than factional warfare.

An industry source said the extortionists were demanding up to $5000 a week.

That figure said there, understandably, no one was interested in setting up a legitimate smoke shop.

“You’d have to have rocks in your head,” he said.

Anyone with information on criminal activity linked to illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au