Police are investigating after a Ballarat tobacco shop was destroyed by fire and another was ram-raided earlier this morning.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at the intersection of Little Bridge Street and Peel Street in Bakery Hill at around 6:15am.
Two adjoining buildings were also completely destroyed in the fire.
Officers were also called to a ram-raid at a nearby tobacco store on Curtis Street in Ballarat Central.
Police say the car appears to have reversed into the front entrance of the store before the driver fled without gaining entry.
Two cars were later found burnt out in Queen Street South and Scott Parade in Ballarat East.
Police believe the incidents are linked, with no reports of injuries.
If you have any information about the incident, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
