A major police operation has been launched after a number of alleged arsons, attempted arsons, kidnappings and a drive-by shooting rocked popular venues in Melbourne.<\/p>\n
Operation Eclipse will focus on the people \u201cpulling the strings\u201d of the \u201cextremely concerning\u201d 15 incidents across Melbourne\u2019s CBD and entertainment district since April 14.<\/p>\n
The Albion Hotel in South Melbourne, The Emerson Hotel in South Yarra and Soho Restaurant and Bar in Southbank are all among venues targeted. <\/p>\n
State Anti Gangs Division, Crime and Counter Terrorism Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said the operation will target those alleged to be \u201cdirecting these crimes, and recruiting predominantly youth offenders to commit them\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cOperation 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,\u201d Superintendent Kelly said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe danger these offences place the community in is both significant and unacceptable.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Twelve people have so far been arrested in relation to the incidents, and Superintendent Kelly said most of the teenagers arrested were members of street gangs. <\/p>\n
Police are also working with local councils, Fire Rescue Victoria and liquor industry stakeholders. <\/p>\n
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.<\/p>\n