DETECTIVES have ramped up their investigation into firebugs in Tamworth, setting up a strike force to find who is behind more than 50 deliberately lit fires.
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Strike Force Laden has been launched and will be out in force on the streets of West Tamworth on Wednesday, as officers doorknock the community in the hope of piecing together who is behind the dozens of car, house and grass fires.
Houses in streets like Tingira and Bourne as well as Kenny Drive show the charred remains of the suspicious fires after they were torched earlier this year.
Oxley Detective Sergeant Jason Darcy told The Leader the strike force was made up of Oxley detectives and investigators from the State Crime Command’s arson squad.
“Police are concerned these deliberately lit fires are putting the safety of the community at serious risk,” he said.
“It’s not only risking the safety of the residents, but it’s also dangerous for the emergency services who respond to these blazes like the fire brigade, police and ambulance service. It’s dangerous for everyone.”
We will have police out canvassing the West Tamworth neighbourhood and we’re seeking information in relation to any of these fires and anyone who might be behind it.
- Oxley Detective Sergeant Jason Darcy
Since October 2017, police have been called to investigate more than 50 fires in West Tamworth – every single one of them is believed to have been started by firebugs.
Last month, police lodged an official request for specialist arson investigators to join the manhunt after more blazes.
“We will have police out canvassing the West Tamworth neighbourhood and we’re seeking information in relation to any of these fires and anyone who might be behind it,” Detective Sergeant Darcy said.
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“Any information on suspects will be treated with the strictest confidence.
“We have a dedicated team of officers working on this case and the strike force comprises police with expert investigative skills in this field.
“So we would urge anyone with information to come and talk to us.”
The governing body of insurance companies has offered a reward of $25,000 for any information that leads to a conviction in these matters.
- Oxley Detective Sergeant Jason Darcy
And, now a financial reward is on offer for information leading to a conviction.
“The governing body of insurance companies has offered a reward of $25,000 for any information that leads to a conviction in these matters,” Detective Sergeant Darcy said.
On Wednesday morning, as well as a team of officers doorknocking homes, police will have the Oxley Police District bus set-up at The Youthie, at the intersection of Cossa and Quinn Streets.
The operation will continue on Thursday and into Friday in the West Tamworth area.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
