Police are joining forces to crack down on organised crime syndicates believed to be responsible for a series of arson attacks, including an incident where offenders attempted to set a Fraser Rise house alight with five people inside.
Officers from three squads will link up to investigate at least 11 incidents within the last month believed to be linked to ongoing disputes between two criminal groups with links to Middle Eastern organised crime entities.
The Fraser Rise fire occurred at 1.20am on June 27. Police said when an associate attempted to assist, his property on Hawksbury Green in Caroline Springs was subsequently set on fire. Both properties sustained significant damage.
Two further fires at the Caroline Springs property occurred on July 9 and 10, when the occupants were not present due to previous fire damage.
Another incident on the Deer Park Bypass in Ravenhall occurred on July 7 at about 11am. Police have been told a collision occurred involving two vehicles, and two men from the cars were then involved in an altercation before driving off.
Almost all of the fires caused significant damage, however, no one was physically injured.
Police are still working to determine the motive for ongoing dispute and are speaking to the residents and business owners of those addresses, as well as any associates in order to try and understand the reason for the attacks.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed any of these incidents or has further information.
Arson and explosives squad detective inspector Chris Murray said it’s only “sheer luck” that one of the fires has not resulted in death or serious injur.
“It’s clear they have been lit with very little regard for the safety of anyone else in these areas at the time,” 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.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
