Police on the streets in Kaitangata yesterday in the search
for more information following the recent spate of arsons.
Photo by Craig Baxter.
The hunt for the culprits in a recent spate of arsons in
Kaitangata was stepped up yesterday, when 18 police officers
went door-to-door making their inquiries in the township.
Detective Sergeant Kate Bartlett, of Balclutha, said police
were asking residents about two arsons on a Water St property
on January 2 and January 22, two suspicious fires in a
forestry block on February 25, and a suspected arson on a
Christchurch St property last Saturday.
"We are not saying the fires are linked," Det Sgt Bartlett
said.
"We are crossing off all the inquiries. We are inquiring on
anyone who may have seen or heard something but not contacted
police."
Police set up a caravan base at Victoria Park in Kaitangata
to make a "targeted effort at getting round local witnesses",
who were already coming forward with information.
Balclutha police were joined by a tactical team from Dunedin
yesterday, and Balclutha police will continue making
inquiries today.
The response from the public had so far been positive, Det
Sgt Bartlett said.
Local business owners Derek and Marie Calver said they were
pleased to see the police in town.
"It's good the police are out here, trying to get who it is,"
Mrs Calver said.
"Being business people, we do have a great concern over it."
Mr Calver said several people in Kaitangata had been
renovating houses recently.
"People are starting to take a bit of pride in their homes,
and the last thing you want is an arsonist running around."
- rachel.taylor@odt.co.nz
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