Authorities have arson offenders in their cross-hair
Authorities have arson offenders in their cross-hairs and are warning perpetrators they will be caught.
WA Police and Department of Fire and Emergency Services are making it known to anyone looking to commit arson they will be caught as efforts to reduce the “senseless” crime continue to increase.
DFES superintendent Matthew Folini said they had growing concerns over the number of “inexcusable” deliberately lit fires across the region, with about 40 recorded blazes being lit since Christmas.
The recent bushfire in Dunsborough’s Marri Reserve which came close to impacting about 2000 residents of the coastal town was one of several deliberately lit fires DFES has been called out to this year.
“It’s really disappointing. They really need to understand the risk, not only to the community, but the greater South West environment,” he said.
“We all understand just how diverse the natural environment is through here and having uncontrolled fires within those environments can cause a lot of damage to flora and fauna that we don’t plan for and takes a long time to recover.
Supt Folini said in response to the numbers of fires, DFES, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and WA Police had established Task Force Ron alongside local governments and key stakeholders to catch perpetrators.
However, Supt Folini said the majority of incidents had occurred after midnight in the early hours of the morning, and public cooperation was paramount to catching offenders.
“A really key part of all the investigations is the public calling in to Crime Stoppers, that is the key single source of truth,” he said.
“If you see something, say something.
“Understand that a small amount of information could have a huge effect on these investigations.”
WA Police superintendent Paul Van Noort said the WA police had been getting more effective at targeting arson offenders, labelling the act as a “senseless” crime with the potential to cause serious harm to the community.
“Let’s not just look at arson as a bush-related crime, we have seen incidents of arson within built up areas such as Bunbury,” he said.
“Police are getting better at solving crime, we are locking up 50 per cent of all offenders for all crime in the South West,” he said.
“If you do go out and commit harm or arson offences, there is a strong change that the police will be knocking on your door.”
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000