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KIDS ARRESTED AFTER SHOP FIRES
■ Two children have been arrested as part of the ibvestigation by detectives from Taskforce Lunar nto two tobacco store fires in Glenroy earlier this month. A 17-year-old Deanside boy was arrested this morning at his home address and interviewed by police. He was subsequently charged with criminal damage by fire (arson), theft of motor vehicle and possess prohibited weapon. The boy was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date. A 16-year-old Hoppers Crossing boy was arrested by detectives from Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit as part of an investigation into an unrelated series of incidents. He was remanded in custody on those separate matters and Taskforce Lunar detectives expect to charge him with criminal damage by fire (arson), theft of motor vehicle, possess prohibited weapon and possess cannabis. The arrests follow two fires at separate tobacco stores in Glenroy on May 17. Emergency services were initially called to a business on Morgan Court about 4.15am, with a second fire being reported at a Belair Avenue premises only minutes later. The investigation into the fires remains ongoing. Taskforce Lunar was established in October 2023 to investigate organised crime syndicates believed to be heavily involved in the illicit tobacco trade and an ongoing dispute for profit. This includes a series of 59 arsons at stores selling tobacco across Victoria. Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have arrested 62 people so far as a result of their investigations. The taskforce has also been supported by members of the VIPER taskforce, with more than 100 search warrants executed at properties linked to illicit tobacco and more than 80 people arrested. The taskforce includes specialist resources from across Crime Command and also works
● Last week’s Local Paper coverage. closely with regional police, as well as a range of external agencies such as the ABF, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission,AFPand ATO. Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Taskforce Lunar, said: “This is yet again another example of organised crime groups utilising vulnerable children to commit extremely serious crimes. “One of the boys involved suffered serious burns, which we are consistently seeing occurring and it is only a matter of time before one of these offenders kill themselves, or an innocent member of the public. “These arrests were extremely timely and reflect the hard work being undertaken by Taskforce Lunar investigators, who will continue the investigation to identify those who tasked the children.”
Hunt for rail sex fiend ■ Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a sexual assault on a train between the City Loop and North Melbourne. It is understood a man sexually assaulted a female victim on a Craigieburn bound train about 5.20pm on February 7. The man, described as Caucasian, in his late 20s, of slim build with blonde died hair and a scar on his upper lip, got off the train at North Melbourne. Investigators have released an image of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
The man was seen wearing a black baseball cap, black jumper, denim shorts and black socks. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
First for football
● Police want to speak with this man.
■ Essendon District, Western, Ballarat, Central Highlands and Riddell league scores are on Pages 29-30 of this edition.
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