Arsonists are targeting Melbourne restaurants and hospitality venues. No one seems to know why

Fire damage is seen at the Soho Restaurant and Bar in Melbourne. The Southbank bar is one of eight venues targeted by arsonists across Melbourne. Photograph: Jay Kogler/AAP

The orders come from people they have never met: firebomb this particular address, and you’ll get paid a few hundred dollars.

There have been almost 300 tobacconists hit in Victoria since late 2023, but there are now different types of businesses that have been targeted in the past fortnight: nightclubs, restaurants and bars.