By Nicole Williams
POLICE have warned against stupidity with fire following the arrests of three men over a spate of fires around Berwick, including one of the area’s historic buildings.
Three men were arrested last Wednesday for the fire at the Old Cheese Factory as well as a series of suspicious fires in Berwick between June and August.
Police allege the arsonists lit nine fires at parkland, primary schools, kindergartens, play equipment, the Berwick Church of Christ and the historic building on Homestead Road, which suffered $200,000 damage.
Detective Acting Sergeant Mark Wiederhold said the arrests were a timely reminder coming into the hotter months.
“It’s a major concern for us and serious consequences can follow, as seen with Black Saturday,” he said.
“We’re very concerned with young people playing with matches, cigarette lighters and lighting fires at this time of year.”
Det Acting Sgt Wiederhold said people needed to be vigilant.
“If anyone witnesses that type of behaviour, without a doubt, call Triple-zero,” he said.
Det Acting Sgt Wiederhold said the Old Cheese Factory suffered the most damage during the fire on 16 August.
“The other ones were smaller fires. The cheese factory was the significant,” he said.
“We’re very delighted to be able to identify the suspects. It took a lot of work that one.”
The Old Cheese Factory fire completely destroyed one of the heritage-listed buildings and left a number of community groups without equipment and a meeting place.
Berwick Youth Choir and Painting with Parkinson’s were two of the worst hit groups.
The youth choir lost $40,000 worth of sheet music, instruments and teaching resources and the Parkinson’s group lost artwork and all its art supplies.
Eighteen-year-old Shaun Boxell, from Mornington and 21-year-old John Bellette, from Cranbourne, have been charged with nine counts of arson.
Mr Boxell was bailed and Mr Bellette was remanded to reappear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 28 February.
A 21-year-old Narre Warren South man was also charged with four counts of arson and bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
