A notorious crime gang is suspected of repeatedly firebombing a popular gelateria in Williamstown in an attempt to shut down a competitor in the hospitality industry.
Williamstown Ice Creamery & Frozen Yoghurt has been attacked with Molotov cocktails three times in the past year, including twice in just 24 hours over the weekend and early Monday morning.
The Williamstown gelato shop has been firebombed three times in the past year.Credit: Jason South
The series of attacks has led to the shop’s operator hiring private security to guard the venue at night to deter any further incidents.
The current owner declined to comment on the attacks when contacted by The Age.
But an underworld source said the Williamstown outlet opened in direct contravention of threats by a major Melbourne crime gang that has infiltrated businesses in the legitimate hospitality sector, including ice-cream and gelato outlets.
The crime gang, which cannot be named for legal reasons, has also been involved in a protracted turf war for control of the illicit tobacco market that has led to more than two dozen arson attacks on cigarette shops across the state since March.
The Age is not suggesting the current owner of the Williamstown outlet or his businesses are involved in organised crime, only that they have been targeted repeatedly in arson attacks.
The first attack came just a week before Williamstown Ice Creamery & Frozen Yoghurt planned to open in October 2022 after it was bought from a previous owner and refurbished.
The premises were destroyed after being hit with several Molotov cocktails late one night. The shop was moved to a pop-up location nearby while a complete renovation was done.
Footage of the aftermath of the torching obtained by this masthead shows the front windows of the shop smashed and wires hanging from the blackened ceiling above the badly damaged front door. The floor is covered in charred debris, and flames appear to have burnt through part of the ice-cream counter.
Damage to the Williamstown Ice Creamery & Frozen Yoghurt after the first firebombing in October 2022.
On Sunday morning, three weeks after its second attempt at opening, Molotov cocktails were tossed at the front of the newly refurbished shop but failed to destroy the interior.
The arsonists returned less than 24 hours later, early on Monday morning, to smash through one of the windows and toss Molotov cocktails inside, which caused damage to the shop.
Large pieces of plywood covered the door and windows of the Nelson Place shop on Tuesday morning.
Victoria Police said investigators were probing whether all three attacks were connected and urged anyone with information to contact the police.
“Police are investigating after a Williamstown business was targeted by arsonists for a second time in 24 hours,” a spokeswoman said.
“Investigators are also looking at whether a similar incident that occurred in October 2022 is linked.”
The city has been plagued by dozens of arson attacks in 2023 that police and underworld sources have linked to multiple ongoing disputes between organised crime gangs involved in drug trafficking, illicit tobacco and extortion schemes targeting legitimate businesses in the hospitality and retail industries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.