Police have announced an operation targeting disputing organised crime syndicates believed to be linked to a recent series of arson attacks within Maribyrnong and across Melbourne.
Authorities are linking at least 11 incidents dating back to June 24 believed to be linked to ongoing disputes between two criminal groups with links to Middle Eastern organised crime entities.
Including an incident at about 7.40pm on Tuesday, June 27, where a car parked at Pipemakers Park on Van Ness Avenue in Maribyrnong had its windows smashed and was set alight.
Detectives are still working to determine the motive for the overall ongoing dispute and are speaking further to the residents and business owners of the addresses, as well as any associates, in order to try and understand the reason for the attacks.
Other incidents include ones in Oakleigh, Fawkner, Caroline Springs, Fraser Rise, Port Melbourne, Collingwood, Hume and Ravenhall.
On the majority of occasions, no one was present at the property when it was set on fire however almost all of the fires caused significant damage.
Police are looking at whether any other incidents are linked to this series, however at this time they do not believe a number of recent fires at tobacco stores are connected.
Arson and explosives squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said it is lucky no one has been killed by these attacks yet.
“A fire can very easily get out of control and effectively cost innocent parties either their lives or their livelihoods. It’s behaviour that is utterly reckless and completely criminal,” he said.
“The use of arson by criminal groups to target and intimidate others has a significant impact on the whole community and won’t be tolerated.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure those involved are held to account.”
Details to: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
