Wanaka police appeal for public help after suspicious fires

Wanaka Police investigating suspicious fires are appealing for help from the public for information and video footage around the area.

Police were called to reports of fires lit at Albert Town near Wanaka on 20 September.

Detective Phill Hamlin, Otago Lakes Criminal Investigations, says that the investigation team believes the fires to be suspicious and that they have been intentionally lit.

“These fires were mere metres away from housing where people were at home and many were in bed. They have had to run from their homes. Their lives and homes have been put at risk by these actions.”

Significant damage has been caused to telecommunication infrastructure and nearby dwellings and cars were at risk of serious harm.

Police are seeking the help of the public and are asking for anybody who travelled through Albert Town on Alison Avenue or State Highway 6 between 10:00pm and midnight on 20 September to get in touch if they have dash cam footage or residential CCTV in the nearby area.

Police are also seeking any videos taken of the fires at any stage including when emergency services were in attendance.

If you have additional information you might feel is relevant to the investigation, please call 105 quoting file number 250921/4784.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Image credit: Cullan Smith