Detectives from Taskforce Lunar are today releasing CCTV and appealing for information following an arson attack at a Glenroy tobacco store earlier this year.
Emergency services were called about 2.30am on Monday, 9 October to reports of a fire at the Wheatsheaf Road premises.
A navy BMW 330i sedan can be seen on CCTV ramming the roller door of the shop just after 2.20am.
The male passenger then exits the vehicle and runs towards the store with two jerry cans, emptying the contents and setting the store alight.
He then returns to the waiting vehicle which flees the scene.
No one was present at the business when it was set on fire and nobody was physically injured, but the building sustained minor damage.
Residents from a nearby apartment building were temporarily evacuated.
The same BMW is captured on CCTV at a petrol station on The Avenue in Ardeer the day before (Sunday, 8 October) around 3AM.
Police are today releasing images and CCTV in the hope someone may recognise one of the men involved.
A man, described as Caucasian in appearance, with a slim build and approximately 170cms tall gets out of the passenger seat of the car.
He is dressed in a black puffer jacket, black trackpants, black cap and white Nike trainers.
After pulling the hood of his jacket up, he goes into the station to pay for the petrol and fills the car before leaving.
The car was bearing cloned plates at the time.
Detectives are hopeful that today’s release of CCTV will provide further avenues of enquiry and are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about the incidents, including the identity of those involved and in the footage.
Investigators believe the fire is linked a series of arson attacks on tobacco stores dating back to March this year.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Taskforce Lunar:
“The two syndicates involved in this conflict do not care about the ramifications of their actions or the danger it presents, that much is clear.
“This kind of utterly reckless behaviour risks people’s lives and their livelihoods. It is reprehensible and we will not tolerate such blatant and dangerous criminal conduct in our communities.
“If you recognise the man in the images or have any further information on the incidents, now is the right time to come forward and speak to police.”
