Police bid to foil arson

By Paul Pickering
EXTRA police are being called in to stamp out a spate of bushfire arson attacks which have hit the hills.
Police will step up patrols in bushfire hotspots that have seen several blazes during this year’s fire season which police believe were deliberately lit. Inspector Peter Lardner, police service area manager for the Yarra Ranges, said: “In an effort to prevent the irresponsible starting of fires we will be dedicating further police resources to the Dandenong Ranges.
“These police will be both in marked and unmarked police vehicles and in addition to the normal fire patrol activities we conduct over the fire season.” The announcement comes as police continue to investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding the recent spate of bushfires in the hills. Investigations have pinpointed target areas around the Basin-Olinda Road in Sassafras, and the stretch of road known as Devil’s Elbow at southern end of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.
While the cause of the fires is still unknown, Mr Lardner said that the police were very concerned about the fires and reinforced the need for local residents to remain on high alert despite recent light rainfall.
Detective senior sergeant Mahon of the Lilydale Crime Investigation Unit said the penalty for intentionally or recklessly causing a bushfire could result in a jail term of up to 15 years.
Police are asking anyone who has seen any person acting suspiciously around the bushfire sites, or might have information relating to the fires, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.