Knox CIU detectives are appealing for public assistance following two deliberately lit factory fires that caused an estimated $25 million in damage in Melbourne’s east.
The arson attacks that police believe to be linked occurred just over a week apart in Bayswater and Kilsyth late last year and early this year.
The first incident occurred at a business on Melrich Road, Bayswater, at about 4am on Monday, December 23, 2024. The second incident occurred at a separate business on Canterbury Road, Kilsyth, at about 3am on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
“These were deliberate, coordinated, and highly dangerous arson attacks,” Detective Inspector Glen Cruse said.
In both incidents, it is believed a group of unknown male offenders gained access to the premises, poured petrol inside and deliberately set the buildings alight.
As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives are seeking information from the public concerning four vehicles of interest that were seen during the incidents:
• A blue 2012 Toyota Camry sedan was seen travelling inbound on Eastlink at approximately 3.30am on December 23 prior to the Bayswater factory fire. The vehicle was captured on CCTV at the factory and later seen on Mountain Highway, Bayswater. The vehicle was recovered by police on January 17 2025, after being parked for three days at Jubilee Park in Frankston.
• A white 2016 Toyota Prado 4WD and a white 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse wagon were both captured on CCTV at the Kilsyth factory fire about 3am on January 1, 2025. The Prado was located burnt out at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong, on January 3, 2025, and was seen entering the reserve in convoy with an older model white van. The Eclipse was found burnt out on Deals Road, Clayton South, on January 29, 2025.
Police believe the incident was targeted.
“Both factories were located in busy commercial areas surrounded by other businesses. The risk to nearby property was significant, and it’s extremely fortunate no one was seriously injured or killed.
“Investigators are urging anyone who may have information, including dashcam or CCTV footage from both locations, or know who was involved to come forward,” Det. Insp. Cruse said.
