If you think your week has had a bad start, spare a thought for Franco Missaglia of StyleFinish Auto Body in Braeside. He arrived this morning to find his business destroyed by fire, and with some news outlets hinting at bikie involvement.
We'll be reporting on the crime spree that is affecting Victorian businesses next issue, Missaglia was the victim of yet another robbery attempt. When the would be robbers got their car wedged in the bollards at the entrance to the shop, they set fire to the stolen vehicle. When the fire hit the gas main Missaglia says it basically blew the roof off.
Missaglia owns two other collision repair shops, as well as a towing business. He is taking the devastation in his stride. "What can you do?." he said. "But the bikie allegations are ridiculous, I've been in business more than 30 years, you don't get a good reputation unless you do the right thing."
The Melbourne repair community has rallied around and he has been inundated with offers of assistance.