A Cranbourne East boy was among the additional four children arrested on the morning of Friday 8 March, as part of a police investigation into a number of incidents linked to the ongoing tobacco dispute.
Warrants were executed simultaneously at five residential addresses in Springvale, Princess Hill, Cranbourne East, Brighton East, and Preston at about 7am.
Four boys were arrested and set to be interviewed by police. They included a 16-year-old Springvale boy, a 14-year-old Princess Hill boy, a 17-year-old Cranbourne East boy, and a 16-year-old Preston boy.
Investigators said they would interview the four boys in relation to an aggravated burglary in Wonga Park, as well as two arson attacks at a Mill Park restaurant and a tobacconist in Ballarat in February.
A white Isuzu D Max and a silver Ford Ranger were stolen during an aggravated burglary in Wonga Park between 10pm on Monday 19 February and 7am on Tuesday 20 February.
The Ford Ranger was then utilised in an arson attack at a reception centre in Thomastown on Thursday 22 February.
It was later located burnt out in Bundoora.
A 20-year-old St Albans man was charged on Thursday 29 February in relation to that incident.
On Tuesday 27 February at about 3.40am, the Isuzu D Max was involved in an attempted arson at a Mill Park restaurant on The Link.
The D Max reversed towards the front door of the premises and a number of offenders exited the vehicle, with one reaching back in to remove a jerry can.
A witness observed the vehicle and ran towards the scene, causing the offenders to flee.
The same vehicle was then used the following day in an arson attack at a tobacconist on Sturt Street in Ballarat at about 3.35am.
The store was significantly damaged during the incident.
A short time later, the vehicle was located burnt out on Eureka Street.
A second vehicle, a stolen BMW X1 bearing stolen plates was captured on CCTV in a convoy with the Isuzu.
The BMW was seized from a Springvale address during last week’s warrants.
Four children, including a 15-year-old Springvale boy, a 14-year-old Mulgrave boy, a 16-year-old Mulgrave girl, and a 16-year-old Pakenham girl, were charged on Friday 1 March as part of the investigation into the incidents.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on any organised crime activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
