Arson attacks

By Lia Bichel
ARSON attacks in Casey are on the rise, with six fires reported on the weekend, but authorities expect the number to fall as holidays end.
Police said they were concerned about the huge influx of suspicious fires which included a petrol bomb attack and another fire believed to have started from a lemon gun.
At 4.10am on 29 January, a petrol bomb was thrown through the front window a house in Beverley Court, Narre Warren.
Earlier that morning, at 12.30am, there was a loud explosion at O’Tooles Road in Cranbourne which started two small fires.
Nearby residents called the CFA to extinguish the fire. Police said earlier that night resident’s heard three similar loud noises at half hour intervals.
A dark coloured large car similar to a Holden Commodore was seen driving away from the area at the time of the last explosion.
Police said other blazes included a small scrub fire at 11.30pm on 28 January at Kirsty Lottkowitz Reserve, a suspicious fire at Princes Highway and Parkhill Drive, Berwick, at 7.05am on 29 January, and a fire at the rear door of a garage at 2.15am on 29 January at Raffindale Crescent, Cranbourne West.
Then at 10.35pm on 29 January, cardboard boxes were set alight at the rear of a supermarket in Webb Street, Narre Warren.
Leading Senior Constable Lisa Christian from Casey Investigation Unit said police were very concerned about the huge rise in suspicious fires, with more than 20 fires reported in the area this year.
But CFA Southern Metropolitan operations manager Trevor Owen said fire activity this time of year was not uncommon and he expected the numbers would decrease when school begins and people get back to work.
“It is partly to do with the fact we have a lot more people on time off,” Mr Owen said.
“People are deliberately lighting fires have the time to do so – they are not at work or at school.”
Mr Owen said some of the fires could be started accidentally, by a grinder or welder, and reminded residents they need a permit to use these on their property.
He also said people needed to be mindful of dry grass and bushes and total fire ban days.
Mr Owen encouraged residents who see any suspicious activity to notify the police.
“Don’t assume other people are going to report it,” he said.
“Call the police. They will take it seriously and investigate it thoroughly.”
Mr Owen also encouraged people to report if they see fireworks.
“Fireworks are illegal in Victoria but there is an increase of them at this time of year,” he said.
“They may not go in the direction they are meant to and could land in a park or reserve and a fire could take off.”
Anyone with information about these incidents or see any suspicious activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Narre Warren Police Station on 9705 3111.