Police will ramp up their bushfire arson operations this year following an increase in deliberately lit fires last summer.
A statewide program, Operation Firesetter, will adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach to bushfire arson and focus on high-risk areas such as Melton.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said Melton was at the top end of risk for bushfire arson in Victoria this summer.
“When you look at the geography of the landscape combined with its history of fires, it’s easy to see why.”
There were 67 recorded cases of arson in Melton and 15 cases in Moorabool between November, 2013, and April, 2014.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jack Blayney warned that arson offenders would face the maximum penalty, irrespective of the size of the fire. Intentionally or recklessly causing a bushfire carries a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $35,000.
“We must do the best we can for Victoria to ensure people don’t engage in intentional or reckless behaviour that will cause a bushfire or grassfire to occur,” Mr Blayney said.
“So Operation Firesetter is about being very active in what we call high-risk areas like Melton.”
He said the police needed community support to identify potential suspects.
“People who commit bushfire arson are not always strangers; they often live and work in local communities,” he said. “If you see something, say something.”
A spike in vehicle fires in Truganina and Beattys Road, Plumpton, is also a concern to Melton police, who are urging residents to be vigilant.
“We are ramping up our patrols in the area and encouraging anyone in those
areas who see suspicious cars to report to police,” Detective Acting Sergeant Josh Coy said.
Melton police have responded to more than 10 vehicle fires in Plumpton in the past few months.
Anyone with information is urged to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
