DETECTIVES from Taskforce Lunar have charged a second man today following a number of arson attacks on tobacco stores and vehicles as well as the theft of vehicles.
A 20-year-old Dandenong man was arrested this morning and interviewed by police.
He has subsequently been charged with arson (x3), burglary and theft of motor vehicle, and will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
The charges relate to a number of incidents, including:
• An arson at a tobacco store on Belair Avenue in Glenroy on August 17, and an arson on a van at the same address around 4.45am that morning; and
• A ram raid at a McBride Avenue tobacco store in Wonthaggi around 3am on August 19, and a subsequent arson on a previously stolen Mazda 3, which was used to ram the business.
On August 22, a 20-year-old Endeavour Hills man was arrested and charged with five counts of criminal damage by fire (two relating to buildings and three relating to vehicles), three counts of theft of motor vehicle and burglary.
Those charges related to the same series of incidents, as well as a fire at a tobacco store in Melton on August 11 and subsequent car fire.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 14.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on illegal activity related to illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
