Police have arrested a Sunshine West man as part of a series of arson attacks in Melbourne this year.
The 23-year-old Sunshine West man is the sixth to be arrested as part of the investigation.
He was arrested on January 17 and later charged with three counts of criminal damage by fire and aggravated carjacking.
The charges are related to the following incidents involving a fire at a café on Lobelia Drive, Altona North on January 9, a fire at a tobacco store on Pier Street, Altona on January 12, a fire at a store on Glengala Road, Sunshine West on January 12, and a carjacking in Braybrook on January 12.
Lunar Taskforce Detective Inspector Graham Banks said these fires have caused significant property damage and have a direct impact on people’s livelihoods.
“We’ve also been extremely clear from the start that these fires have the potential to seriously injure or even kill someone,” he said.
“I want to assure the community that we are doing everything we can to hold everyone involved in this risky behaviour to account – this includes those lighting the fires, those stealing vehicles to undertake this offending, and those commissioning the fires as part of the ongoing dispute.”
Police currently have 29 active arson investigations, which include tobacco stores, vehicles, gyms, restaurants and private addresses.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
