Police investigate series of fires targeting tobacco stores

Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a series of fires causing more than $4million in damage to businesses across metropolitan Melbourne.

The series of incidents has seen tobacco stores in Pakenham, Deer Park and Patterson Lakes be targeted by unknown offenders.

Investigators are today releasing CCTV and images in the hope someone may provide information that will help identify those involved.

The initial incident saw four offenders force entry to a shopping centre on Main Street, Pakenham, before setting fire to a tobacco store inside the centre about 1am on 3 August, 2021.

The second incident saw two offenders force entry to a tobacco store on Station Road, Deer Park, about 3.15am on 7 August, 2021.

The offenders poured an accelerate inside the store before igniting it, causing an explosion which resulted in one of the offenders catching fire.

On this instance the two primary offenders were seen getting out of light-coloured SUV.

A second light-coloured vehicle, believed to be a Holden Astra, was also seen at the scene and the female occupant of that car is believed to have been acting as a lookout.

There was a significant gap between the second and third incident which took place on 9 February, 2022.

On this instance two offenders attended a shopping centre on Thompsons Road, Patterson Lakes, in a light-coloured Volkswagen Amarok 4WD with a canopy.

The offenders forced entry to a tobacco store and ignited an accelerate causing a large explosion which resulted in one the offenders catching fire.

Investigators believe the offenders who caught fire in the Patterson Lakes and Deer Park incidents would have likely sustained significant injuries and required medical assistance.

This series of fires has cause significant community impact to local businesses with significant damage not only to the targeted stores but neighbouring businesses as well.

Police are releasing CCTV from all three incidents as well as an image of a Holden Astra, believed to be similar to the “look out” vehicle from the Deer Park incident.

Investigators are also releasing a computer-generated image of the woman seen inside that vehicle at the time of the offence.

Anyone who recognises this woman and vehicle, witnessed any of these incidents or can provide information on the identity of those involved is urged to come forward.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link

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