Arsonists target millionaire businessman’s panel beater shops in linked attacks

Arsonists have targeted two Melbourne panel beater shops owned by an alleged drug importer with connections to the Comancheros in a series of early morning attacks.

Police were first called to the Melbourne Collision Repair Centre on Swanston Street in Mentone about 3.20am after a car fire spread to the business. Shortly after, police responded to another call at the Melbourne Collision Repair Centre on Triholm Avenue in Laverton, where multiple vehicles had been set alight.

David Deicke is CEO of Melbourne Collision Repair Centres.

David Deicke, alleged drug importer and chief executive of the Melbourne Collision Repair Centre business, was revealed by The Age earlier this year to have connections to the Comancheros. Deicke made his fortune from a string of smash repair businesses, before moving into property development, luxury car hire and hospitality.

At the Laverton scene, a person believed to be involved in the attack was seen fleeing, partially on fire.

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Witnesses said several offenders were seen smashing car windows before the vehicles were torched. The offenders then left the scene in what police believe is a white vehicle.

Police suspect both fires are linked and are treating them as suspicious.

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