Cars set ablaze

By Bridget Brady
PRANKSTERS in Casey are trying to set fire to petrol tanks to cause cars to explode.
Police said a spate of car fires last week in the Cranbourne area could have had more damaging outcomes, with evidence that those responsible had tried, unsuccessfully to set fire to petrol tanks of some cars.
Senior Constable Josh Morgan from Casey CIU said while the cars escaped with moderate damage, it was a worry to have fires lit as the weather warmed up.
“Coming into the summer months, we don’t want fires being lit anywhere,” he said.
An attempt to set fire to a petrol tank failed on 21 November when the back right-hand side of a car was set on fire in a driveway in Arleon Crescent, Cranbourne, about 12.45am.
Five minutes later, another car was set on fire from the back right-hand side in a driveway in Camms Road, Cranbourne.
A stolen car was set on fire near the entrance of Merinda Park Railway Station about 11.55pm on 18 November. Police said two people were seen observing the fire and took off when they noticed they had been watched.
During another incident, a window was smashed and a stereo stolen from a car that was set on fire about 4.45am on 20 November on the nature strip in Rustic Rise in Narre Warren North.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the car fires, and ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.