Police are patrolling Arcare aged care homes across Melbourne after gunmen fired about 10 shots at the provider’s Maidstone home last week.
The attack happened just before 4.30am on Friday, November 6. Two men dressed in black got out of a white SUV on Hampstead Road and opened fire on the building, then drove off.
“A bullet impacted the building, but nobody was physically injured during the incident,” a statement provided to HelloCare said.
The statement said investigators are still looking at whether the shooting is connected to any other incidents. Officers from Operation Phoenix, a Victoria Police operation targeting serious and organised crime, are carrying out “proactive police patrols in the relevant areas.”
Residents and families told of extra security
Arcare runs more than 60 residential aged care homes across Australia, with almost 5,000 residents, The Age reported.
Families of residents were sent a letter this week about the shooting. In it, Arcare said it had “taken proactive steps to increase security at our Victorian and interstate sites”. It said police had also stepped up surveillance and patrols, and that it had added wellbeing support for residents, visitors and staff.
The letter, from Arcare state operations manager Prab Kaur, also said the provider had been told not to release more details while the police investigation continues. The Age published the letter on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, The Age reported that police were guarding at least seven Arcare homes. Its reporters said they saw police cars outside two homes and private security guards at two others.
Possible link to Brighton firebombing
The Herald Sun reported that detectives are investigating whether the Maidstone shooting is linked to an arson attack on a house in Brighton on October 27. Two luxury cars were destroyed in that fire.
The Brighton home is owned by Skye Pitard, the daughter of Russell Knowles. Company records cited by The Age show Mr Knowles part-owns Arcare Pty Ltd, the company that operates Arcare. Ms Pitard’s husband is former property developer Simon Pitard. His Steller Property Group collapsed in 2019 owing about $617 million to creditors.
The Age, citing three anonymous sources, reported that the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang is suspected of being behind the Brighton attack and the threats against Arcare. Victoria Police has not publicly linked the Finks to either incident.
Last week, police named the Finks an organised crime priority and announced a crackdown on the gang.
HelloCare has contacted Victoria Police for comment.
Anyone with information, or who saw suspicious activity, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
