IF you see something, say something — that’s the message Crime Stoppers, police and the CFA are pushing in an effort to stamp out bushfire arson.
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Local authorities called for people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour as a statewide awareness campaign had its local launch yesterday, before a forecast high fire danger weekend.
Crime Stoppers community manager Peter Brown said there were 1444 arson-related fires across the state last year and almost 400 people charged for an arson-related offence during the 2013-14 bushfire season.
“In the five years we have been running this campaign, there has been a 300 per cent increase in arson reporting,” Mr Brown said.
“We have had a mild start to the year weather-wise, so it’s easy to become complacent. We want people to be mindful and keep an eye out for anything suspicious, especially on days when fire danger is heightened.”
He said deliberately and recklessly-lit fires could threaten lives and property, and tie up emergency service resources, leaving other areas of the state vulnerable, particularly on Code Red fire days.
“Our best resource to stamping out this activity is the local community,” Mr Brown said.
“The tag line is — if you see or know something, say something. We want people to make reports of suspicious behaviour to the Crime Stoppers hotline on 1800 000 333.”
Warrnambool police inspector Paul Ross said information such as registration numbers and descriptions of vehicles and people could be vital.
“We want people to be on the lookout for cars in odd places at odd times of the day,” Inspector Ross said.
“Police will be increasing their overt and covert patrols in high-risk areas on heightened fire danger days, but the community are a vital resource to help us.”