Ute attack on waterfront eatery

By Sean Car

Vandals used a stolen car to smash in the front of Almina Cafe Bar on the waterfront under the ANZ Centre on May 2.

A red Holden rodeo ute traveled along the pedestrian shore-front extension off Collins St shortly after 4am before reversing three times into the front of the restaurant, which also damaged windows at a neighbouring business.

After smashing multiple shop-front windows, the occupant of the vehicle then dispersed an unknown chemical substance inside the shop with the intention of starting a fire, however the substance failed to ignite.

The two culprits then fled the scene on a motorbike before security arrived at the scene shortly after.

Almina Restaurant owner, Nazem Ahmed, said he was fortunately sleeping in the premises at the time of the attack.

“I’m very lucky I was in the shop,” he said. “I was woken up at around 4.10 maybe and heard a big smash.”

“I go put my clothes on straight away and go outside and they are running away on a bike.”

Mr Ahmed said this was the second time his business had been attacked in four months, with the previous incident currently being heard before the courts.

“The cops stopped three guys who are in court already,” he said.

“For me I don’t have any problems with anyone I have no issues we have best customers.”

“But I can’t guarantee, there has to be a reason for it.”

Snr-Sgt John Rodger, of Melbourne CIU, said police were investigating any links between the two attacks but said there was currently nothing to suggest a link.

“We are still conducting the investigation there’s nothing that we know at this stage which links them,” he said.

Snr-Sgt Rodger said police were unsure of the motivation, but labelled it a brazen act.  

“It would be quiet down here at four o’clock in the morning but to come up and reverse in such an open manner is a brazen attack.”

He said police were continuing their analysis of CCTV footage and forensic evidence and were calling on witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.