Fire bugs to be named, shamed

GREATER Geelong and Surf Coast residents are being urged to dob in an arsonist as Crime Stoppers moves to release the names and images of wanted fire bugs.

Crime Stoppers Victoria general manager Cathy Rhodes said that during the next 12 weeks the campaign against dangerous fire setters would be stepped up across the region with the help of police and the CFA.

“The community will be urged to review the images we release and report what they know confidentially to Crime Stoppers in a bid to help solve crime in the area,” she said.

“If you know of anyone engaging in reckless fire behaviour, or have any information about reckless or deliberately lit fires, we urge you to make a report to Crime Stoppers confidentially.”

Acting Superintendent Geoff Colsell said reckless behaviour could include disobeying restrictions relating to total fire ban or fire danger periods, leaving campfires unattended, burning off without a permit, or using hot tools or machinery that emit flames or sparks on total fire ban days.

“Starting a bushfire or grassfire is a crime and we will pursue anyone putting our community at risk through reckless or deliberate actions,” he said.

According to Victoria’s Crime Statistics Agency there were 60 offences recorded for ‘causing a bushfire’ in Victoria between October 2016 and September 2017.

Penalties include up to 15 years’ jail or fines of more than $36,000. The maximum penalty for arson resulting in death is 25 years’ jail.

Assistant Chief Officer for the CFA’s South West Region Rohan Luke said the organisation took a zero-tolerance approach to any unauthorised fires or fires resulting from negligent behaviour.

Reckless or deliberate behaviour that could lead to a bushfire can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au.