ST ALBANS & KINGS PARK, VIC. — Offenders have rammed a convenience store in St Albans and a milk bar in Kings Park, causing significant structural damage to both shop fronts before they were set alight.
In the first incident, a vehicle was seen reversing into the Willaton Street convenience store just after 2am.
The store was set alight and sustained smoke and fire damage.
Witnesses reported seeing two vehicles driving in convoy attend the scene.
About 10 minutes later, it is believed the same offenders reversed a black Toyota Kluger into a milk bar on Maplewood Drive in Kings Park, causing significant damage.
Once inside the store, an accelerant was used to douse the area before it was set alight.
Police have been told there was an explosion of flames before the fire petered out.
The damaged vehicle, which bore stolen plates and had been stolen from Kings Park on Sunday, was abandoned at the scene.
The offenders are believed to have fled the scene in a second vehicle, described as a light-coloured 4WD.
Detectives from Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents and whether they’re linked to any other recent fires.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
