A quiet country town may once again have been pulled into Victoria’s tobacco war after another small business was destroyed in a suspicious incident on December 31.
Police and emergency services were called to a fire at Longwarry Convenience Store just after 4.30am on Wednesday.
It is believed the business set alight, while no one was inside the premises at the time and no injuries were reported.
The exact cause of the fire is being investigated but it is being treated as suspicious at this stage.
The incident has caused disruption to neighbouring businesses, with nearby traders left dealing with the fallout.
Debruin’s Bakery, located close to the scene, lost power following the fire and was required to arrange an electrician at its own cost to restore services.
Other nearby business owners say the incident has renewed concerns about ongoing crime in the town, particularly activity linked to the illicit tobacco trade.
“It was firebombing – no business is safe,” one trader said.
Several traders noted the attack appeared consistent with other recent incidents linked to Victoria’s tobacco war, adding it was not the first time a business in the street had been targeted.
In October last year, Gazette reported that the Longwarry supermarket was ram-raided, which the owner described as an intimidation tactic linked to organised tobacco crime.
The family-run business received an earlier ransom note, demanding them to contact the commission on Whatsapp in 24 hours and pay up to $5000 a month in ‘Kaz tax’ to avoid firebombings or ram raids.
They immediately reported the ransom note to the police, who advised them not to contact the perpetrators, as they could be blackmailed.
Both incidents heightened concerns among traders, who say criminal syndicates are increasingly targeting small country towns, leaving owners and staff fearful of repeated attacks.
Victoria Police previously told the Gazette that spates of cigarette burglaries traditionally occur in peaks and troughs.
“A number have occurred across Victoria recently with Casey and Cardinia not immune,” the spokesperson said.
“There are often a small number of offenders responsible for runs of cigarette burglaries.
“Child and youth offenders are often responsible, as they seek to make a profit. We have made a number of arrests in this space and will continue to hold offenders to account.”
Police continue to investigate and urge anyone with information or CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Longwarry Convenience Store was contacted for a comment.
