By Alex Crowe
A suspicious fire that broke out overnight is believed to be linked to Victoria’s tit-for-tat arson attacks, destroying a storefront next to a tobacco shop in Melbourne’s south-east.
Firefighters were called to extinguish the blaze on Station Street in Oakleigh at about 3.15am on Wednesday. The fire caused significant damage to a roller-door of an empty shopfront next to a tobacconist.
Specialists from the Australian Federal Police were among the arson team investigating the crime scene.
The roller-door to the empty shopfront, which had previously contained Harry Scapetis Certified Practising Accountants, was severely damaged. The Station Street tobacconist was not badly burnt.
Police said no one was inside the businesses when the fire was lit.
An empty shop next to a tobacco store was set alight in Oakleigh.Credit: Wayne Taylor
“The fire has been deemed suspicious and an arson chemist is in attendance at the scene,” police said in a statement.
“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 officers, along with Australian Border Force authorities, had recently visited more than 75 tobacco stores across the state to speak to store owners and staff, as part of their investigation into the recent gang violence.
A battle between Middle Eastern organised crime entities and motorcycle gangs has been linked to a dozen arson attacks on tobacconists dating back to March, causing damage to shops in Springvale, Moonee Ponds, Deer Park, Hoppers Crossing, Wodonga and Wangaratta.
Specialists from the arson squad investigating the blaze on Wednesday.Credit: Wayne Taylor
Store owners who refused to be extorted or set up their businesses in areas controlled by gangs have had their shops torched as the gangs battle for control of the lucrative illegal tobacco trade. Four people linked to the Finks bike gang were charged as part of the investigation last month.
A police spokesperson said members of the arson attack taskforce would be conducting patrols in the areas around affected stores, following Wednesday’s attack.
“The community, particularly tobacco store owners and staff, are a crucial part of our ability to stop these incidents before innocent people are killed or seriously injured,” a spokesperson said.
Detectives are appealing for anyone in the area who may have CCTV or dash cam footage of the incident to provide it to police.
Police have urged anyone with information to the Station Street incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
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