Victoria Police has launched a new operation targeting organised crime groups suspected of being behind a series of incidents at hospitality venues across inner Melbourne.
Dubbed Operation Eclipse, the initiative is being led by Crime and Counter Terrorism Investigation Services and brings together detectives from multiple specialist squads to examine the recent attacks.
Units involved include the Gang Crime Squad, Arson and Explosives Squad, VIPER Taskforce, Cybercrime Division, Economic Crime Division and Organised Crime Division.
They are working to determine a motive and identify linked networks following a spike in coordinated attacks on hospitality venues over the past fortnight.
Multiple fires, attempted arsons, and a shooting have been reported across inner-city precincts, including the CBD, Southbank and Prahran.
Police believe several incidents are linked and may involve organised crime networks.
Some venues have been targeted more than once in quick succession.
Local detectives are responding on the ground while a broader operation focuses on identifying those responsible.
Additional support will be provided by the Public Order Response Team, Operation Alliance and the State Liquor Unit.
Police confirmed that since April 14, multiple arson and attempted arson incidents have been recorded across the Melbourne CBD, South Melbourne and Prahran entertainment precincts.
Additionally, at least 15 incidents across metropolitan Melbourne are linked, forming part of a coordinated wave of attacks targeting hospitality venues over the past two weeks.
The incidents span multiple suburbs and include repeated arson attempts, several fires, a drive-by shooting and other criminal damage, with some venues targeted more than once.
Among the most serious incidents were shots fired at a Lonsdale Street venue days after it was first attacked, and a drive-by shooting at a South Yarra premises that had previously been targeted in an attempted arson.
Police have also intercepted a stolen vehicle allegedly linked to suspicious activity near several venues, while several attempted arsons have been carried out across inner-city nightlife precincts, including Chapel Street, Toorak Road and ACDC Lane.
Investigators are examining additional suspicious behaviour, including people loitering outside venues and the use of jerry cans to transport fuel, as part of efforts to identify those orchestrating the attacks.
Two kidnappings are also being assessed for potential links to the broader series, as police work to determine the full scope of the activity.
Twelve people have been arrested so far, with police crediting members of the public who have reported suspicious activity.
Authorities have increased both overt and covert patrols across affected entertainment precincts and are working alongside local councils, Fire Rescue Victoria, and industry stakeholders as part of the ongoing operation.
Investigators are continuing to appeal for information, particularly around who is directing the incidents and the motive behind them.
They are urging anyone who witnesses suspicious activity near venues or service stations to contact Triple Zero immediately.
Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said at least 15 venues had been targeted in recent weeks, with the attacks largely involving arson but also extending to firearms offences and alleged kidnappings.
“The danger these offences place the community in is both significant and unacceptable,” read a police statement.
He said while there had been speculation about which organised crime groups may be responsible, police were keeping an open mind as investigations continue.
“Operation Eclipse has been established to look at the series of incidents and work through who is involved and why, with local detectives and other specialist units continuing to investigate the individual incidents.”
Det Supt Kelly said the operation would bring together specialist investigators to target those “commissioning and directing these crimes,” including the recruitment of younger offenders.
“This is a methodology we have seen play out previously, especially with regards to the illicit tobacco conflict,” he said.
He said police were working to protect those in the hospitality industry but required support from venue operators and staff.
“We have said so many times over the past few years that fire is unpredictable and dangerous, and we have seen this play out with people being killed and people losing their livelihoods.”
He urged anyone with information to come forward, stressing all reports would be followed up.
“Operation Eclipse will be looking at every possible avenue to ensure we bring an end to this series of offending as soon as possible and ensure those working in and attending these venues are safe.”