Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad and Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit have charged a man and a woman overnight following a range of incidents in the Melbourne, Mildura and Ballarat areas, including an arson attack on a Mildura tobacco store.
A 32-year-old Sebastopol man was charged with 15 offences, including criminal damage (arson), aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, obtain property by deception and possess drug of dependence.
A 23-year-old Flemington woman was charged with 12 offences, including criminal damage (arson), aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle and possess drug of dependence.
The duo was remanded overnight to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court today.
The charges follow a range of incidents, including on Tuesday, 4 June when emergency services were called to reports a vehicle had rammed the front window of a Lime Avenue business about 3.25am.
The occupants of the vehicle then poured an accelerant into the building and set the premises alight, before fleeing the scene in a waiting vehicle.
Nobody was inside the premises at the time but the building sustained significant damage.
Anyone with information on criminal activity linked to illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
