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 17 August, 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 19 August, and a subsequent arson on a previously stolen Mazda 3, which was used to ram the business.
On 22 August, 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 11 August and subsequent car fire.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 14 November.
Nobody was inside any of the premises at the time but the buildings sustained damage.
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
