Detectives are investigating two separate attacks on businesses across Melbourne overnight.
Police were first called to a tobacconist on Tarneit Road in Werribee about 4am.
It’s understood a car arrived at the business, before reversing into the front security roller shutter and fleeing on foot.
The car was left at the scene.
Police were called an hour later to a business on Costas Drive in Hoppers Crossing after the store was set on fire.
It’s understood a passerby managed to extinguish it before emergency services arrived.
Investigators are treating both incidents as “targeted attacks”.
There have been close to 70 arsons at tobacco stores since March 2023 and Victoria Police’s Taskforce Lunar has made 65 arrests since its establishment in October last year.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
