Recent weeks have seen a series of arson attacks on commercial properties in both Queensland and Victoria. A tobacconist in Mackay, North Queensland, experienced its fourth fire this year, while two ice cream shops in Melbourne were targeted by separate blazes within a 24-hour period. Police investigations are underway into these incidents, with potential links to organized crime being explored in several cases.
Mackay Tobacconist Arson
A tobacconist located on Celeber Drive in Andergrove, Mackay, North Queensland, was subjected to an arson attack involving Molotov cocktails between 11:50 PM on February 27 and 12:10 AM on February 28. This incident marks the fourth fire at the same premises in 2024, following previous occurrences on January 13, February 14, and February 18, which resulted in minor damage. The latest fire caused significant damage and spread to neighboring businesses, including a gym and an electrical contracting company.
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Eaton of the Mackay Whitsunday District Crime Group stated that police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including disputes with other shop owners, localized reasons, and potential connections to organized crime. The premises had previously been issued 90-day closure orders by Queensland Health due to alleged sales of illegal tobacco and vapes.
Investigators are considering a link to organized crime, reportedly involved in the illicit tobacco trade, as a significant line of inquiry. Police have noted that organized crime groups sometimes use local offenders for such actions.
CCTV footage captured two individuals, wearing masks and gloves, throwing Molotov cocktails. One suspect was observed in a black and white checked shirt. Investigators suggest the offenders may have sustained injuries during the attack. Police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the individuals.
Melbourne Ice Cream Shop Fires
Two separate arson incidents targeting ice cream shops occurred in Melbourne's west over a weekend in late April.
Tarneit Incident
The Gelateria on the Docks ice-cream store on Wool Street in Tarneit was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Saturday morning. The owner, Mahmoud Haddara, reported receiving an alarm activation on his mobile phone at 2:30 AM, indicating a break-in. CCTV footage reportedly showed an individual inside the store immediately before the fire erupted. Mr. Haddara stated the store had operated for two years without prior incidents.
Police reported that multiple individuals were observed fleeing the store in a vehicle, which was later found abandoned at the intersection of Dohertys and Mount Cottrell roads. A search operation involving the critical incident response team, dog squad, and air wing led to the arrest of two 17-year-old boys around 5 AM. One of the individuals received hospital treatment after sustaining a bite from a police dog.
The two teenagers have been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life or serious injury, car theft, and possessing articles to destroy. One accused is scheduled to appear in a children's court, while the other will participate in a bedside remand hearing. Victoria Police indicated that all investigative avenues, including potential connections to organized crime, would be pursued. Police have appealed to the public for any relevant information or footage.
Williamstown Incident
Less than 24 hours after the Tarneit fire, on Sunday at 3:45 AM, Capriccio gelateria on Nelson Place, Williamstown, sustained significant damage from a suspicious fire.
This incident marks the sixth such attack on an ice-cream shop on Nelson Place in three and a half years. Capriccio gelateria itself was previously targeted by arsonists in January 2024, an incident investigated by Victoria Police's Taskforce Lunar. Other past incidents on Nelson Place include an April 2024 fire at Willi Homemade Icecream & Acai and multiple firebombings of Williamstown Ice Creamery & Frozen Yoghurt in late 2023.
Twenty-five firefighters responded to the blaze, controlling it in approximately 50 minutes. Fire Rescue Victoria reported extensive fire damage to the shop and smoke damage to an upper-level residence, which appeared unoccupied and undergoing renovations. Two individuals from a neighboring property were evacuated. Fire crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to surrounding properties. Arson chemists are examining the damaged shopfront for evidence. Authorities urge anyone with information, dashcam, or CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers.