18 July 2019

Investigations continue after six cars set alight in three days

| Lachlan Roberts
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A car was found alight on Calwell Oval early on Tuesday morning. Photo: Supplied by Scott Scowcroft.

Just before the sun came up on a chilly Sunday morning (14 July), emergency services were called after reports of a car fire on Barr Smith Avenue, in the south Canberra suburb of Bonython.

Police allege that the owners of the vehicle had left their vehicle on the side of the road after it broke down. Before the owners could return, it was set alight in a suspected arson attack.

The following day, emergency services were called to three separate car fires across the nation’s capital.

One took place in Bradfield Street in Downer around 2:45 am. In another incident, a Nissan was set alight around midday near the Monaro Highway in Jerrabomberra, while the third fire was in a car parked on a nature strip in Hodgson Place, Pearce.

On Tuesday morning, police arrived at the scene of a car fire on an oval in Calwell and a few hours later were called to Caswell Drive to investigate another car fire.

An ACT Policing spokesperson said that the five car fires on Monday and Tuesday all had one thing in common – all the cars had been stolen.

Earlier this year, police issued a warning to Canberrans to do more to secure their properties after a spike in break-ins and car thefts across the ACT over the summer, with many ending up abandoned and torched.

Last month, police again urged the public to ensure their cars are locked and secured after a spike in car break-ins in the Molonglo Valley, Weston Creek and Woden areas.

Another vehicle was found upside down and burnt out on Black Mountain Drive on Wednesday morning. Photo: Supplied by Johnny Gonzalez.

Police said their investigations are continuing and at this time, no charges have been laid in relation to these fires.

Anyone who may have any information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

Information can be provided anonymously.

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