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POLICE believe they are closing in on the people responsible for torching a Cobden business.
Detective Senior Constable Sally Frazer, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said the blaze happened on Wednesday, June 22, last year.
On Monday Senior Constable Frazer and Acting Detective Sergeant Andrew Raven appealed to the public to come forward with information to help them catch the offenders.
“Around midnight there was an explosion heard in Cobden and shortly after Twinny’s Tyres and Batteries caught fire and the fire has destroyed the entire business and all the contents inside,” Senior Constable Frazer said.
She said it was believed the blaze caused up to $1 million damage, which included hundreds of thousands of dollars of stock and other items.
“There was a couple of hundred thousand dollars worth of batteries and tyres, there was also a sprintcar which belonged to the owner's stepson and his utlity, which was worth about $40,000,” Senior Constable Frazer said.
Police believe the people responsible gained entry through a neighbouring school.
“The premises is next to a school in Cobden and there were fresh tyre marks on the school oval and a large hole cut in the wire fence between the school and the battery business,” Senior Constable Frazer said.
“There was also indications of forced entry to the back door.”
Acting Detective Sergeant Raven urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We're just seeking any information from the public that may be able to assist us,” he said.
“We believe that we are close to an arrest – we just need that small little piece of the puzzle to put the case together.”
Police obtained CCTV footage from a nearby business which shows a vehicle near the property shortly before the incident.
“Unfortunately we weren’t able to get a registration,” Senior Constable Frazer said.
She said it was lucky there was no one inside the premises at the time of the incident.
The business was totally gutted and had to be demolished.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Warrnambool police on 5560 1333 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
POLICE are appealing for information regarding a suspicious fire which severely damaged a Cobden business mid last year.
Detective Senior Constable Sally Frazer, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said the blaze happened on Wednesday, June 22, last year.
She said witnesses had told police that they heard an explosion shortly before seeing flames engulf the factory.
“A utility and a sprint car, belonging to the owner of the business, a 33-year-old Cobden man, were extensively damaged in the fire,” she said.
“Investigators believe that unknown offenders entered the factory grounds by cutting a hole in a wire fence prior to the explosion being heard.
“The business was unoccupied at the time and no one was injured.”
Detective Senior Constable Frazer said photographs of the crime scene had been released to prompt interest in the case.
“We wish to speak to anyone who believes they may be able to assist us with the investigation,” she said.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Warrnambool police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
