Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are investigating after arsonists targeted a Berwick café over the weekend for a second time in less than a week.
In the most recent incident, unknown offenders attended the Wheeler Street store in a dark coloured Mazda 3 - believed bearing stolen plates - and smashed a side door on Sunday 18 October about 2.20am.
It is believed they were disturbed by uniformed members patrolling nearby and fled the scene leaving litres of accelerant in jerry cans at the scene.
Just six days prior, on Monday 12 October, the front door of the business was smashed just before midnight.
The offenders - who have been described as two young males - were again disturbed, this time by staff who were still inside the cafe after closing for the night.
The duo was last seen leaving the scene in a silver hatchback after litres of petrol in jerry cans were dumped and left behind.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents including the motive behind the attacks.
As part of these enquiries' investigators have established the offenders have targeted the wrong address - the intended target has no links to the cafe.
Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray:
"These were incredibly reckless and dangerous attacks. Tens of litres of accelerant were left at the scene creating the potential for catastrophic consequences not only for the business owners but also for surrounding properties and members of the public.
"This level of violence and disregard for community safety is completely unacceptable.
"What is particularly concerning is the offenders being 'crime-tasked' to carry out these serious offences on behalf of others, often have little or no understanding of who the intended target actually is.
"In this case, the business and its owners appear to have been wrongly targeted, while the person believed to be the intended victim has no association whatsoever with the café.
"Innocent people are being placed at risk because criminals are treating serious violence as a contract.
"These attacks have caused fear, disruption and significant distress, and we are committed to identifying not only those who carried out the offending but also the individuals directing and commissioning these crimes from behind the scenes."
