Police patrols to catch arsonists

OVER the comingmonths, as part of Operation Firesetter, police will patrol high-risk bushfire locations to deter and track downarsonists.
An estimated 85 per cent of fires are deliberately lit or accidentally started, according to the Australian Institute of Criminology.
Lighting fires in an open area during a fire danger period without authority, slashing grass on a day of Total Fire Ban or throwing a burning cigarette from a car near long grass, scrub, forest or bush is all illegal.
Arson is a serious offence that can claim lives, destroy buildings, homes and habitat.
Arson carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment for arson causing death.
You can help by immediately reporting any suspicious behaviour to 000 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police ask that people making a report take note of the description of anyone behaving suspiciously and note the registration and description of any motor vehicle.