Police have charged two children, including a 16-year-old Pakenham girl, as part of their investigation into a number of incidents linked to the ongoing tobacco dispute.
Police charged both a 14-year-old Mulgrave boy and a 16-year-old Pakenham girl with one count of attempted arson, with the duo set to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
The charges relate to an attempted arson at a Mill Park restaurant on The Link on Thursday 27 February at about 3.40am.
The charges follow on from police charging the duo relating to an aggravated burglary in Wonga Park between 10pm on Monday 19 February and 7am on Tuesday 20 February, and an arson attack at a tobacconist on Sturt Street in Ballarat at about 3.35am on Wednesday 28 February.
Police charged the 16-year-old Pakenham girl with two counts of criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life, conduct endangering serious injury and theft of motor vehicle on Saturday 2 March, while police charged the 14-year-old Mulgrave boy with aggravated burglary and theft of motor vehicle.
As a result of the linked investigations as part of Taskforce Lunar, police have arrested eight children, with a total of six charged.
The investigation remains ongoing.
To report any information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
