Debt-collection agency torched

Press, 11 July 1989, Page 8

Debt-collection agency torched

By NEIL CLARKSON Arsonists hit a Christchurch debt-collection agency early yesterday, starting a fire which destroyed its main office and many records. The blaze at Canterbury Accounts Recovery, at 142 Waterloo Road, in Hornby, was noticed about 7.30 a.m. Detective Bob Kerr, of the Hornby C. 1.8., said there appeared to be three seats of fire, in the house, which had been converted to offices. Two had burned out quickly, causing minor damage. However, the third took hold in the main office and gutted it, destroying records and files. . “We suspect that whoever set fire to the place was probably in there around 6.30 a.m. to 7 a.m.” Entry was gained by a

smashing a window in the front sliding door. Detective Kerr said two telephones, an answering machine and about $lOO cash had been stolen from the building. He said it was difficult to tell what, if anything, had been stolen from the main office. The offenders had searched the building before starting the fires. Detective Kerr asked anyone who saw suspicious activity round the building early yesterday to call the Hornby C. 1.8. The motive for the burglary and arson was unclear, he said. About three weeks ago the home of a Christchurch repossession agent in Radley Street was firebombed. The police are still inquiring into that incident, which appears unrelated to yesterday’s arson.