By Aneeka Simonis
THE car theft crime wave has been highlighted as “a major concern” for police and fire-fighters in Cardinia Shire heading into bushfire season as reports of arson jump.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd attributed much of the region’s 47 per cent increase in arson-related offending to car fires, mostly those stolen and used in criminal offending before being torched.
“It is a major concern because these offenders don’t consider the potential consequences,” he said.
Earlier in the year, Cardinia CFA operations officer Jim Dore said the Pakenham Fire Brigade had seen a huge increase in stolen car fires, responding to four in one week.
“Offenders, especially youths, are now stealing registered cars, taking them for a joy ride, doing burn-outs and the like, and to get the final thrill, they burn the car.”
Car accidents and sparks from a catalytic converter can be enough to spark a grassfire during the dry, hot conditions experienced in the shire over the summer period.
But deliberately setting fire to a car dumped in bushland could have disastrous consequences come peak bush fire season, Sen Sgt Prowd warned.
Just under 100 arson offences were detected in the region between June 2015 – June 2016 up from 66 arson offences last year.
More than 70 per cent of the recent arson offending is still unsolved.
Of the 28 people investigated over firebug offending in the last 12 months, those aged in their twenties and 50 years or more were highest represented, followed by child arsonists aged 10-19.
Police statistics show four were arrested, 11 were summonsed to appear in court and five were flagged with intent to summons.
Five offenders were issued a caution or warning, and three outcomes were undisclosed.
Sen Sgt Prowd said those found to be responsible for deliberately lit fires this season would be penalised.
“Every big fire starts with a small fire. We will be taking strong action in relation to the burning in rural areas,” he said.
In cases of juvenile arson, youth offenders may be required to take part in juvenile arson intervention programs provided by the CFA as part of their sentence.
Sen Sgt Prowd said deterring further fire-setting activity was a priority.
Victoria Police urges the community to report suspicious behaviour by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
