Tarneit Teens In Arson Arrests

Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested three people, including two Tarneit teenagers and a Wyndham teenager, over an alleged series of arsons and attempted arsons targeting Melbourne CBD entertainment venues earlier this month.

Search warrants were executed in Tarneit and the Wyndham area on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old Tarneit resident. Later that morning, around 10am, a second 18-year-old from Tarneit and a 17-year-old from the Wyndham area were arrested at a shopping centre in Maribyrnong. It is alleged the 17-year-old was in possession of a machete at the time of arrest.

The three males are now being interviewed by detectives in relation to arson, attempted arson, criminal damage, burglary, and theft of a motor vehicle.

Acting Superintendent Anthony Vella, of Melbourne’s CBD command, said the arrests mark a significant milestone in the investigation.

“Today’s results mean we have now arrested someone for every arson attack that has occurred against licensed venues in Melbourne’s CBD, as well as several incidents in the Prahran area,” he said.

The alleged offending spans two nights in early May. On Monday, 4 May 2025, at approximately 4am, a car was allegedly rammed into five roller doors at an industrial premises. It is alleged one male exited the vehicle and entered the warehouse carrying a jerry can.

Later that morning, at approximately 5.20am, a car allegedly pulled up outside La Di Da nightclub. It is alleged one male exited the vehicle, attempted to open the venue’s front door, then re-entered the car and rammed it into the door.

At approximately 5.40am, a car allegedly rammed into Electric Bar on Chapel Street. Two males allegedly exited the vehicle and poured accelerant inside the premises, which failed to ignite.

On Tuesday, 5 May 2025, at approximately 3.30am, two males allegedly attended La Di Da nightclub a second time. It is alleged they damaged the front door before pouring accelerant from a jerry can throughout the premises. During the incident, it is alleged the first 18-year-old’s clothes caught on fire, an incident that attracted significant public attention at the time.

Acting Superintendent Vella issued a direct warning to those considering similar attacks.

“If you are coming to a venue to commit arson, the chances of you getting caught by police are almost certain. If we don’t catch you then and there in the act, it won’t be long until we come knocking on your door.”

He also highlighted the danger posed by fire to both the community and the offenders themselves.

“Fire is unpredictable and dangerous – not only are these people putting innocent community members at risk, but they are putting their own lives in grave danger.”

Operation Eclipse was established in April 2025 to target serious and organised crime syndicates believed to be connected to the offending and to determine the motive behind the attacks. The operation is led by specialist detectives from the Gang Crime Squad and the Arson and Explosives Squad, working closely with local and regional police.

Police continue to maintain an increased presence, both overt and covert, across Melbourne’s entertainment precincts, including increased patrols and visits to licensed venues.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.