Hall arson attack fears

By Sarah Schwager
CANNONS Creek residents were shocked when they discovered burnt newspapers shoved under the door of the town’s community hall.
It is not the first incident of vandalism at the hall and residents are worried that next time they may not be so lucky.
Neighbourhood Watch area coordinator Bill D’Oliveira said the local CFA checked the hall every Sunday morning when members came down to service their truck which is stored at the fire shed on the corner of Cannons Creek Road and Glenalva Parade in front of the community hall.
It was on the morning of 20 August that the CFA crew saw burnt newspaper surrounding the hall.
“The alarm system would have set off if it had have set alight,” Mr D’Oliveira said.
“But there are gas bottles stored there which would have exploded.”
He said if the hall did go up in flames, it could cause devastation with the hall situated next to the Bonnie Watson Bushland Reserve.
“Then it could have set fire to the houses. It would have been an absolute catastrophe,” he said.
This is not the first time such vandalism has occurred around the hall at the coastal village.
The public toilets have been damaged several times. The last time vandals pulled out the piping, destroying the toilet.
Shade cloth in front of the hall worth $3000 was also destroyed with vandals lighting cigarettes and causing burn holes in the fabric.
“I can’t explain what they are doing,” Mr D’Oliveira said.
“By doing what they are doing these vandals could end up injuring themselves for life.”
He said he worried what could happen if the hall was attacked again.
“What happens next time with the reserve right next to the hall? This is a big concern.”
Anyone who sees any suspicious activity around the hall is urged to contact Cranbourne Police on 5991 0600 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.