A bullet struck the Arcare facility in Maidstone on Friday morning, with the provider confirming it was working with police
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Security and police patrols have increased across a chain of aged care homes after two men opened fire on a Melbourne facility early Friday morning.
Victoria police said two men dressed in black fired about 10 shots at the building on Hampstead Road in Maidstone, in Melbourne’s west, before fleeing the scene at 4.30am.
A bullet struck the building, but no one was physically injured, police said. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
The aged care provider Arcare confirmed the building was its facility. The shooting was first reported by the Age.
The shooting has prompted Victoria police to conduct “proactive police patrols in the relevant areas”, including several facilities operated by Arcare, one of Australia’s largest aged-care providers.
A letter to residents’ families from Arcare on Monday, seen by Guardian Australia, said the provider was working closely with law enforcement.
It said the facility had increased wellbeing support for residents, visitors and team members after the Maidstone incident.
“Arcare has taken proactive steps to increase security at our Victorian and interstate sites. Victoria Police also increased surveillance and patrols since the incident,” the letter said.
“Please keep in mind that there is an active Police investigation and Arcare have been directed not to publicly disclose any additional details.
“The wellbeing and safety of our residents, families and team members remain our highest priority and we thank you all for your resilience and support.”
Victoria police declined to comment on the force’s presence at the Arcare facilities.
“An investigation into the incident and any potential links to any other incidents remains ongoing,” a police spokesperson said.
“Members from Operation Phoenix are conducting proactive police patrols in the relevant areas.”
The operation is a specialised Victoria police taskforce established to disrupt serious and violent organised crime across Melbourne, with a focus on illicit syndicates, drive-by shootings, extortion and arson.
Police have urged anyone with information or who witnessed suspicious activity to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
