Police investigating car fire links

A broken fence and skid marks at Kettle Park where police discovered a burnt-out Nissan shortly...
A broken fence and skid marks at Kettle Park where police discovered a burnt-out Nissan shortly before 10pm on Sunday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Detectives are investigating a string of car fires at the weekend, the latest in a growing list of burnt-out cars discovered recently.

Police had attended at least two burnt-out cars during the weekend - one discovered on Chisholm Park Golf Course early on Sunday, and another that was set alight just before 10pm at Kettle Park, a little over a kilometre away.

Detective Sergeant Christopher Henderson said police were investigating whether the two fires, and others, were linked.

A car was set ablaze in Abbotsford on July 9, while police attended another two car fires - one in Mosgiel and one in Tahuna Park - the weekend before.

Those followed a string of fires dating back to March when a car was burnt out in the car park of a North Dunedin hotel.

Det Sgt Henderson said it was too early to say whether police were dealing with a serial arsonist, but any possible links between the blazes were being investigated.

Police were yet to arrest anyone in relation to the fires, he said.

It was unclear what led to the blazes, but the two cars at the weekend were reported stolen before being found on fire.

Sergeant John Hedges said it was possible parts were being stolen from the cars before what remained was set alight to hide evidence.

Det Sgt Henderson said vehicle owners should investigate whether they could take any further precautions to protect against theft.

"Vehicles can be protected by the anti-theft devices which slow down or foil thieves,'' he said.

The more time criminals spent attempting to steal a vehicle, the more likely they were to be discovered in the act, he said.

"Examples of anti-theft devices include ignition cut out switches, steering wheel locks, a handbrake lock and an alarm.

"There are many other devices available.''

•Dunedin Police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

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