Police investigate attempted arson attack at tobacco shop on Racecourse Rd

An employee of a Flemington tobacco store used an axe to chase away three men who tried to set the business alight on October 6. 

It is understood that the three alleged offenders were armed with machetes and attended a tobacco shop on Racecourse Rd at around 11.20pm.

Victoria Police officers were told the males doused the front and inside of the business with a liquid before unsuccessfully attempting to set the liquid on fire.

Before fleeing the scene, the group assaulted two staff members. 

One of the staff members followed the group to a dark blue Holden Commodore station wagon and used an axe to damage the getaway vehicle as it was driving away. 

Detectives from Taskforce Lunar are investigating the attempted arson attack. 

Established in October 2023, Taskforce Lunar targets organised crime syndicates and their involvement in the illicit tobacco trade in Victoria.

Detectives from the taskforce have made more than 80 arrests and executed more than 200 search warrants in the first year of operation.

Many of these offenders have been charged with serious offences, including extortion, arson, firearms offences and aggravated burglary, while the warrants have resulted in the seizure of cash, illicit tobacco and vapes with a total value in excess of $37 million. 

Nineteen firearms, including seven handguns, have also been seized. 

Victoria Police has identified a number of organised crime syndicates, including state, national and global syndicates involved in the illicit tobacco conflict.

These syndicates remain a top priority of Victoria Police according to to Crime Command Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly. 

“Over the last year we have seen a significant amount of work done by our Lunar Taskforce detectives and intelligence practitioners to identify these networks, disrupt their criminal activities and make a high number of arrests and seizures,” he said. 

“However, as arson attacks continue, both in Victoria and interstate, we remain concerned over the safety of the broader community.”

Detectives from Taskforce Lunar and Victoria Police will continue to target these organised crime networks and work with industry and government agencies at the local, state and national levels to reduce the risk of harm to the community.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au. •