As incidences of cars being burnt out across Ballarat returned during the last fortnight, police moved quickly to address the spike in vehicle crime.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As police received an increase of reports relating to a range of vehicle crimes - including theft of cars as well as theft from cars - on their desks, Country Fire Authority firefighters responded to eight car fires across the region from May 12.
Cars were set alight at all hours and in a range of locations from bushland on the outskirts of the city to suburban streets.
WATCH CAR FIRE IN BALLARAT EAST ON MONDAY NIGHT, AS CAPTURED BY DAVID LAW
Acting Inspector Shaun Bingham said when such spates of crime occurred across the region, police were quick to dedicate resources to investigating who the offenders could be.
The spike in crime occurred despite a reported decrease in crime through the first quarter of the year, in addition to police apprehending more than 100 high volume offenders since late December 2019.
From stripping people of their independence and ability to work to the financial impact, car theft and the subsequent torching of the car has a devastating impact on the community.
Acting Inspector Bingham said police were conscious of this.
"We want the community to know that we are ready to respond to these issues when they arise in the hope to get these people off the streets as soon as possible," he said.
Related coverage: Police arrest and charge two more over car fire crime spree
In reaction to the recent spike in vehicle crime, Ballarat police's Divisional Response Unit set up an operation to target a number of suspects.
With assistance from Victoria Police's fugitive task force, three men were arrested at Point Cook and charged earlier this week.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the men fronted Ballarat Magistrates' Court charged with a range of alleged offences ranging from theft of and from a motor vehicle to reckless conduct, unlawful assault and placing police officers at risk.
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.