Oakleigh fire: Station St shop near tobacconist set alight in string of suspicious blazes

A Victoria Police circular sent to all members has asked for any information on figures active in the tobacco industry as they battle a series of firebombings across the city.

Suburban and country police have been urged to help build intelligence holdings on the tobacco trade.

A Victoria Police circular sent to all members last week asked that they provide to the force’s crime command any information on those active in the tobacco industry in their area.

The arson squad is investigating a sequence of 17 firebombings on tobacconists carried out since March this year.

There are concerns that someone will be killed if the current wave of arson attacks continue.

Friction has grown between organised crime groups as the number of tobacco stores has boomed in past two years.

The Herald Sun revealed last Saturday that authorities have been urged to introduce a licensing regime to control outlaw elements.

Local police have been called on to help build intelligence on the tobacco trade. Picture: David Crosling

The Oakleigh shop is the latest store targetted. Picture: David Crosling

A suspicious fire in a shop next door to a tobacconist in Oakleigh is likely linked to a series of ongoing arson attacks on cigarette shops across Melbourne, police have said.

Australian Federal Police forensic officers joined Victoria Police’s arson and explosives squad to scour the latest burnt out store on Wednesday, while the state’s specialised anti-bike units have also joined the investigation.

Police and fire crews were called to Station St to find a two-storey building damaged by fire about 3.25am on Wednesday.

A crime scene was set up around an accounting firm and tobacconist shopfronts as detectives investigate the cause of the blaze.

People gather outside the targetted shop. Picture: David Crosling

A tobacco shop and accountants office were damaged in a suspected fire bombing. Picture: David Crosling

The Harry Scapetis Certified Practising Accountants store was severely damaged by fire with its inside completely black.

The carpet, a few chairs and an old reception desk was severely burnt.

It’s understood the owner of the original building is currently on a Greek holiday enjoying his retirement.

Tradesmen working to fix the tobacconist’s roller door say there was no damage to the inside of the cigarette shop.

Victoria Police on Wednesday said they believe the latest fire is linked to a series of arson attacks across the city linked to the illegal tobacco trade.

“The investigation into the fire remains ongoing and at this time, police believe it is likely to be connected to a recent series of arson attacks,” Victoria police said.

“Detectives from a range of Crime Command units including the Arson and Explosives Squad, Echo Taskforce and VIPER Taskforce are investigating the series which is believed to be linked to the illicit tobacco trade in Victoria.

“Police are also working closely with a range of state and federal agencies including the ABF (Australian Border Force) and AFP as part of this investigation in order to disrupt the syndicates involved and hold those responsible for this offending to account.”

Forensic police investigate the cause of the blaze. Picture: David Crosling

Inside the burnt out accountant office. Picture: David Crosling

Neighbouring shop owners say the tobacco store has only been open in Station St for around four weeks.

It’s understood three tobacco stores have opened within five weeks in the Oakleigh area.

Another nearby tobacconist, who wished not to be named, said she feared for her shop after hearing of so many arson attacks recently.

“I feel very unsafe, I am worried about fire and people coming in here,” she said.

“It’s very scary.”

Last week, the West Street Convenience Store in Hadfield became the second tobacco shop in the area to be torched in as many days.

In June the Elite Motor Garage luxury car dealership in Oakleigh was also set ablaze, causing more than $1m in damage.

Previous attacks on tobacco stores in Moonee Ponds, Fawkner, Caroline Springs and Collingwood have been linked to Middle Eastern organised crime gangs and various outlaw motorcycle gangs.