Police have announced an operation targeting disputing organised crime syndicates believed to be linked to a recent series of arson attacks within Hume 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 just after 5.35am on June 25, where a vehicle pulled up outside a house on Greenvale Drive, Greenvale, and one of the occupants of the car poured an accelerant over two cars in the driveway and attempted to set them on fire.
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, Maribyrnong and Ravenhall.
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.”
Anyone with details is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
