Police Investigate Series of Attacks on Melbourne Venues

Victoria Police are investigating a series of incidents, including arson, attempted arson, and a drive-by shooting, targeting hospitality venues across metropolitan Melbourne over the past week. Authorities have issued a public warning and made several arrests in connection with the ongoing investigation.

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are investigating potential connections and motivations between the incidents.

Incident Timeline

Police have provided the following chronology of reported incidents:

• Tuesday, Early Morning: An attempted arson was reported at a venue on Lonsdale Street just before 6:00 AM.
• Wednesday, Early Morning: A fire was reported at a venue on York Street in South Melbourne around 3:00 AM. A 25-year-old man from Coburg was arrested in relation to this incident.
• Thursday, Early Morning: A fire was reported at a venue on Commercial Road in South Yarra just after 4:00 AM. An attempted arson was reported at a venue on Cecil Street in South Melbourne at approximately the same time.
• Friday, Early Morning: Two incidents occurred within ten minutes around 4:00 AM:
  • A drive-by shooting at a venue on Lonsdale Street.
  • An arson at a venue on Southbank Boulevard.
  • Two boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested around 5:00 AM in relation to the arson on Southbank Boulevard.
• Saturday, Early Morning: An attempted arson and burglary was reported at Bar Bambi on AC/DC Lane around 6:00 AM. A jerry can was located outside the premises. Fire Rescue Victoria attended the scene.

Police Investigation and Statements

Detective Inspector Chris Murray stated that police have issued warnings about the dangers of fire, noting that individuals involved in arson have previously suffered serious injuries or died. He described fire as unpredictable.

"The motivation for targeting hospitality venues is unknown," Detective Inspector Murray stated. He added that venue owners have been cooperative but do not understand why they are being targeted.

According to police statements, the offenders are generally young men who are hired and are paid a few hundred dollars. Police stated they often do not know who hired them.

Public Warning and Appeal for Information

On Friday afternoon, police issued a warning to the public regarding the series of attacks. Authorities advised anyone planning to visit entertainment precincts in Melbourne to be aware of the situation.

Police are appealing for information regarding the incidents, including details about who is responsible and their motivation.

Contact Information:

• Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.

Public Advisory:

• The public, particularly those in metropolitan Melbourne and entertainment precincts, is advised to call emergency services (000) if they observe suspicious activity. This includes cars driving unusually slowly, people behaving oddly, or any activity that appears out of the ordinary.

Affected Venues

Multiple sources list the following venues among those affected: The Men's Gallery on Lonsdale Street, the Albion in South Melbourne, the Emerson in South Yarra, Kittens Strip Club in South Melbourne, and the Soho restaurant and bar in Southbank.