Detectives from Taskforce Lunar today released a video appealing for information following an extortion and a subsequent arson at a tobacco store in Wangaratta in 2023.
The first incident occurred after 4pm on Tuesday, July 4, when two men entered a Murphy Street tobacconist.
They approached a female staff member and demanded she close the store immediately before threatening to burn the store down if she did not comply within 24 hours.
The men then forced the woman to call the owner of the store on her mobile phone and made the same threats to him.
Nobody was physically injured during the incident.
The second incident occurred at 12.45am on Thursday, 27 July when two men exit a white BMW, forcing entry into the same tobacco store.
“This kind of criminal behaviour is designed to create significant fear through the intimidation of the victims. The police and the community expect these offenders to be held to account for their violence and intimidation,” Det. Insp. Graham Banks said.
“The assistance we receive from the community is crucial in bringing a stop to this and again, I want to appeal to those who work in this industry or have businesses near tobacco stores to come forward and provide police with any information they have. It can always be done anonymously.”
An accelerant is poured before the store is set alight. Both men then flee the scene.
Nobody was physically injured, but the store sustained significant damage during the incident.
Detectives are hopeful someone may recognise him and be able to provide information on his current whereabouts.
“Arson attacks put not only people’s livelihoods at stake but also people’s lives. We are doing everything we can to bring this dispute and the criminality linked to it to an end, but we need your support and assistance,” Det. Insp. Graham Banks said.
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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