Drug-dealing link in arson attacks?

Press, 22 July 1989, Page 8

Drug-dealing link in arson attacks?

By

BARRY CLARKE

Drug dealers may be behind the two arson attacks on the partly-built new police station in Hornby. Detectives investigating the attempts to raze the SIM Tower Street building believe a criminal element in the district may be responsible. The new station will overlook a nearby hotel car-park, known to police as a popular spot for cannabis dealing. “Some people may feel they don’t; want to be monitored,” Detective Sergeant Ken Hall said yesterday. “We believe there are a pocket of individuals who have the ability, or stupidity, to carry out such attacks.” The two arson attacks have come very close to destroying the new station, due for completion in November. Early last month only wet timber saved the building when an accelerant was poured over framing.

“The weather saved it. If the fire had caught hold, It would have burnt the

place down,” said Detective Sergeant Hall.

On Tuesday, petrol was poured on the upper floor. It failed to take hold when lit, but the police are refusing to say why.

Detective Sergeant Hall said intensive inquiries in Hornby had turned up a number of avenues to follow. Several people are likely to be interviewed. The arson attacks will help test the public’s attitude to the new community policing concept in Hornby according to Senior-Sergeant Dave Sandes. A drum used in Tuesday’s arson was recovered from the site. Senior-Sergeant Sandes is asking people to call into the Main South Road station to see if they know where it came from.

It was possible it had been stolen from a house or business in Hornby. He is also asking people to come forward with information. The attacks are being treated very seriously. "Somebody out there knows who did it,” said Senior-Sergeant Sandes.