Belmont vape shop fire: Detectives working on theories after two arson attacks but rule out gang involvement

Arson detectives are working on “possible theories” as to why a Belmont vape shop was targeted in two Molotov cocktail attacks in less than 24 hours — but have ruled out gang involvement.

Police were called to the La Belmont Gifts vape shop on Belvedere Street about 12.25am on Tuesday after emergency services attended the same venue in the early hours of Monday.

Both fires are being treated as suspicious and are believed to be linked, with arson squad Det-Sen. Const. Scott Campbell saying Molotov cocktails were used in the attacks.

Det-Sen Const. Campbell said detectives were scouring CCTV evidence and speaking to witnesses for clues as to who was responsible.

“At this stage we are still working on some possible theories (in regards to why the business was targeted),” he said.

“We’ve had limited information so far as to why this is occurring.

“We do know both incidents are linked but we are still investigating.”

Det-Sen Const. Campbell said it was not a case of gang involvement.

About $100,000 worth of damage has been caused to the business, mainly through smoke damage.

Det-Sen Const. Campbell said it was “highly unusual” for a property to be the target of two arson attacks in such a short period of time.

“That’s why we are treating it as serious and we will be making sure we find out who is responsible as quick as possible,” he said.

If you have dash-cam footage of anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Belvidere Street between 2.30am and 3.45am on Monday, or between 11.30pm on Monday and 12.45am on Tuesday, it can be uploaded via this link: https://wapf.au.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/belmontfire-190922

Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online at crimestopperswa.com.