Quick read In short: Police and firefighters are treating a fire at a tobacco shop in Melbourne’s west as suspicious. The store received minor damage from the fire and a broken window. What’s next? Police are yet to say whether the fire is linked to a string of arson attacks as part of a criminal turf war. Emergency services are treating another tobacco shop fire in Melbourne’s outer west as suspicious. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews arrived at the Murnong Street shop in Point Cook at 5:56am. They found “a broken window and a small fire in the front of a tobacco shop”, a spokesperson said. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control by 6:16am. The shop sustained minor damage. A small red jerry can was seen near broken glass on the street. A crime scene was established at the Point Cook store. ( : Barrie Pullen ) A crime scene was established at the store in the Stockland shopping complex. While today’s Point Cook fire is being treated as suspicious, it is not clear whether it is linked to an ongoing string of arson attacks linked to a turf war between organised crime groups. The market for illegal tobacco has become increasingly lucrative. Victoria’s illegal tobacco market Police are stepping up their efforts to tackle the illegal tobacco market, after a string of arson attacks against shops in Victoria. Read more Police allege syndicates made up of Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs are engaging low-level criminals to carry out much of the offending. Victoria Police has set up Taskforce Lunar to investigate the fires and their apparent links to organised crime. It had 29 active arson investigations as of Wednesday afternoon. They included fires at tobacconists, cars, gyms, restaurants and homes.
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Charles Wright
Charles Wright is a seasoned independent crime journalist based in Queensland, known for his meticulous investigative reporting and dedication to uncovering the truth. With over fifteen years of experience in the field, Charles has covered a broad spectrum of criminal activities, from high-profile murder cases to intricate financial frauds. His work, featured in top national newspapers and magazines, is distinguished by its depth, accuracy, and compelling narrative style. Charles’s ability to connect with diverse sources and his relentless pursuit of justice have made him a trusted name in crime journalism, respected by both his peers and his audience.
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