A MENTONE tobacco shop went up in flames last week in a suspected arson attack.
At around 10.50pm on Friday, 7 November, a car allegedly crashed into a tobacco shop on Como Parade West. Police say that a flammable liquid was used to light a fire inside the building.
The fire gutted the building, causing extensive damage. Nobody was physically injured.
Police say that two alleged offenders fled in a white Toyota Prado which was later seen in convoy with a red sedan.
Chelsea SES were among the emergency services to attend the scene. In a statement issued on 8 November, the SES said “just before 10 this morning, Chelsea SES Orange Team were called to assist police at the scene of a fire bombing of a tobacco shop in Como Parade in Mentone. We were initially called to the same job at 11pm last night, but then the area was deemed to be too unsafe, and so we were stood down until this morning.
“When members Brett and Tim arrived at the scene, they were tasked with propping up the awning of the affected shop, and to do whatever was possible to make it safe. They installed three acrow props, to support the awning, and then assisted the arson squad members with clearing debris in certain affected areas, to assist with their investigation.
“The shop was completely destroyed in the fire, with the businesses on either side also affected.”
Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson has called on residents to rally around the other affected businesses. “Really scary scenes overnight in Mentone with the alleged arson attack, impacting businesses and local residents,” he said on social media after the incident.
“Thank you to our brave and dedicated police, firefighters, paramedics and supporting emergency services, who helped residents in the area and did critical work to contain the fire and keep everyone safe. It will be a very difficult time for Mentone businesses in the coming hours, days and weeks. As a community we will do all we can to support and assist them during this time.”
As of 10 November the alleged offenders are still outstanding. Police have released images of two vehicles of interest to their investigation. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 12 November 2025