Arson suspects apprehended

A CRANBOURNE man was one of three who were arrested and charged last week in relation to a series of fires in Casey, including ones that destroyed the historic Old Cheese Factory in Berwick.
Between June and August this year, the arsonists targeted parkland, primary schools and kindergartens with one fire destroying the historic Old Cheese Factory in Homestead Road causing $200,000 damage.
On Wednesday last week, Detectives from Casey Crime Investigation Unit arrested 18-year-old Shaun Boxell from Mornington and 21-year-old John Bellette from Cranbourne and charged them with nine counts of arson. They were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last week.
A third person, a 21-year-old Narre Warren South man, was charged with four counts of arson and bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.
Fire crews were called to the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick just after 4am on 15 August by resident Les Bannon as he was on his way to work.
Crews arrived to find the rear hall/chapel and administration building engulfed in flames.
CFA Berwick captain Alan Boyd said fire crews from Narre Warren, Hallam and Berwick were called in and quick action by the first crews on the scene managed to stop the spread of the fire and prevent it from completely engulfing the building.
Community groups that use the buildings were devastated by the news including Parkinson’s Art Group leader Anne Atkin and not for profit group Communities in Partnership.
“The only art material we’ll have left is an awful lot of charcoal,” Ms Atkin said after the fire.
Communities in Partnership were devastated to find the chapel burnt out when they arrived for their 10am meeting the day of the fire.
The group was able to use the hall for meetings for free about every 6 to 8 weeks.
Committee member Dianne Wilson said it was extremely disappointing.
“It’s very, very upsetting. It’s such a beautiful old chapel, with so much stored in there as well,” Ms Wilson said.