Police investigating shop fire

By Emily Donohoe

Dec 5, 2024

Investigations are under way into a shop fire on MacKay St, Rochester, early on Thursday, December 5.

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Police said a vehicle, identified as a Mercedes Benz, was reversed into a shopfront about 5.20am, with two unknown men lighting a fire inside the business.

The men then fled the premises, driving south on MacKay St.

Rochester Gifts and Smokes was gutted by the fire, while significant damage has been sustained by the Town Barber and Maxavily for Hair businesses.

No-one was injured in the blaze.

CFA units from Rochester, Elmore and Echuca were on the scene, as well as Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters from Bendigo and Victoria Police officers.

An arson chemist attended the scene, along with fire investigators and detectives from Taskforce Lunar.

Taskforce Lunar targets organised crime syndicates and their involvement in the illicit tobacco trade in Victoria.

Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.