Victoria Police allege someone stole the keys to a Ford Raptor from a gym on Highbury Road in Burwood on 9 June.
Police allege the vehicle later travelled to a factory on Brett Drive in Carrum Downs in the early hours of 10 June.
Reads Police Investigate Suspicious Factory Fire In Carrum Downs
Factory fire causes major damage
Police say four people attended the factory before three allegedly forced their way inside.
The factory then caught fire before the group fled in the ute.
Police said no one was inside the factory and no one suffered injuries.
However, the fire largely destroyed the factory and damaged several vehicles inside, with the total damage bill expected to exceed $1 million.
Teen charged
Southern Metro Region Crime Squad detectives arrested a 15-year-old boy at a home in Ferntree Gully on Friday, 3 July.
Police charged him with aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and arson.
He appeared in a children’s court last week, where the court remanded him to reappear at a later date.
Police have recovered the Ford Raptor and will return it to its owner after forensic testing.
Investigation continues
Detectives continue to search for others allegedly involved.
Police have urged gym-goers to keep car keys and valuables secure, including by using secure lockers or keeping valuables with them.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
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