NSW Police have arrested three teenagers following a large-scale operation in response to increased instances of deliberate and suspicious fires on the Mid-North Coast.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The operation was conducted between Monday August 19 to Thursday August 22.
On Tuesday August 20 more than 60 community members attended a meeting at Kempsey Council Chambers where they discussed the recent fires with police, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and Kempsey Council.
In response to information provided by the local community, NSW Police arrested three teenagers - aged 12, 13 and 14 - in South Kempsey on Wednesday August 21 in relation to alleged arson offences.
All three teenage girls will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act for a total of 13 deliberately lit fires across the area.
Sections of grass were predominately damaged by the fires and were extinguished by emergency services. No one was injured.
Investigations into other arson offences are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
Mid-North Coast Police District Commander Superintendent Paul Fehon said police will continue to proactively target suspects.
"Deliberately lit fires not only put a strain on emergency services but can also be life-threatening if they get out of hand," Supt Fehon said.
"I urge the community to help us stop these fires and anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area can contact their local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 in confidence."
