Residents fear arson attacks

By Sarah Schwager
Fires have been lit in wheelie bins, a car, fence and bedroom at the Somerville Road units.
The latest fire was set off in a bin at unit one on Tuesday night.
Last week, the News reported four fires had been lit within a week, with a car parked in the driveway of one home set on fire on two occasions.
Last Friday, a resident was shocked to discover a couch in her front living room was on fire.
The resident, who did not wish to be named, said someone had opened the front window, reached inside and set fire to the couch.
“The police have been out here every night last week,” she said.
The incident happened about 12.30am on Friday, but the fire was contained.
The woman urged local residents to be on the lookout for suspicious people in the area, especially late at night. “It’s a well-lit area but it keeps happening,” she said.
“Surely someone must have seen something.”
She said some of the fires had been dangerously close to the homes and it was lucky that so far they had not been worse.
Police believe the incidents are linked and have asked any witnesses to contact Detective Senior Constable Mark Wiederhold at Cranbourne CIU on 5945 4577 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.