Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public information following an ongoing series of fires in the Bendigo region.
The fires are most commonly ignited on Fridays just before midnight.
The incidents under investigation are:
• Midland Highway, Burnewang on 8 November 2019 about 11.20pm
• Elmore-Barnadown Rd, Goornong on 8 November 2019 just before midnight
• Elmore-Barnadown Rd, Avonmore on 22 November 2019 about 11:30pm
• English’s Bridge Rd, Myola on 22 November 2019 about 11.38pm
• Elmore-Barnadown Rd, Avonmore on 29 November 2019 about 11.25pm
• Elmore-Barnadown Rd, Goornong on 29 November 2019 about 11.26pm
• Elmore-Barnadown Road, Goornong on 13 December 2019 about 3.25pm
• Elmore-Barnadown Rd, Goornong on 13 December 2019 about 3.29pm
• McManus Rd, Colbinabbin on 13 December 2019 about 3.47pm
• Midland Highway, Girgarre East on 13 December 2019 about 3.58pm
• Midland Highway, Carag Carag on 13 December 2019 about 10.29pm
• Midland Highway, Corop on 13 December 2019 about 10.43pm
• Midland Highway, Burnewang on 13 December 2019 about 10.46pm
• Midland Highway, Elmore on 13 December 2019 about 10.46pm
• Northern Highway, Runnymede on 13 December 2019 about 10.51pm
• Northern Highway, Toolleen on 13 December 2019 about 11.10pm
• Axedale-Toolleen Rd, Axedale on 13 December 2019 about 11.42pm
• Elmore-Barnadown Rd, Goornong on 17 January 2020 about 11.34pm
• Plant Rd, Fosterville on 18 January 2020 about 7.46am
Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit Detective Acting Sergeant Andrew Heazlewood said police were treating the fires very seriously.
“Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment,” he said.
DAS Heazlewood also encouraged the community to come forward if they had seen or heard suspicious activity in those areas.
“The community can play a significant role in helping us prevent these potentially dangerous fires,” he said.
Police are urging anyone with information or who have seen suspicious activity to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
