Spate of firebombings as crime gang feuding escalates

Police believe the arson attacks were prompted by "ongoing disputes between two criminal groups with links to Middle Eastern Organised Crime entities".

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Chris Murray said the attacks were "clearly designed to send a message" which is a trademark of organised crime.

"They're trying to make a statement but in making a statement, they grab our attention," he said.

Officers from the anti-bikie Echo Taskforce, gang-focused VIPER Taskforce and the Arson and Explosives Squad have been rolled into an elite team in a bid to stamp out further attacks.

CCTV footage released by police shows a man allegedly setting himself alight while firebombing a shopfront.

"They don't put a lot of thought into these attacks," Detective Inspector Murray said.

It was only sheer luck the firebombings had not seriously injured or killed someone, he said.

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The first firebombing ended up with two vehicles alight in the driveway of a home at Fawkner on June 24.

The following day a gang member attempted to torch two more cars at a home in Greenvale.

A firebomb caused more than $1 million damage at an Oakleigh prestige car dealership on June 26.

In the early hours of June 27 offenders tried to set alight a Fraser Rise house with five people inside.

When a rival associate attempted to step in, his home at Caroline Springs was set ablaze too.

Police are also investigating a firebombing at Sonsa Market on Smith Street in Collingwood where witnesses saw two men arguing with an unknown group on June 22.

A week later the business went up in flames with at least three people using hammers to smash the front windows before dousing the inside of the store in accelerant.

The community could expect a highly visible police presence in the coming days, weeks and months, with officers knocking on the doors and businesses of anyone involved.

Those targeted by the attacks had not been forthcoming in helping police, Detective Inspector Murray said.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed any of these incidents or has further information about them and the parties involved.

Anyone with information or CCTV/dash-cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

With Australian Associated Press