TWO cars have been set on fire each week in Wagga this year.
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The hike in deliberately-lit fires has seen 80 cars burnt out so far in 2016 – the same number recorded in the entirety of 2015 – despite 12 weeks remaining on the calendar.
Two separate police “shock and awe” initiatives were not enough to throw cold water on the growing trend of vandalism that has left victims desperate for justice.
Veronica Gawne, who last week joined a growing tally of victims when her 2014 Nissan Pulsar was set alight by brazen thugs, fears the youth crime wave remains widespread.
Her and partner Graham narrowly avoided tragedy after they bravely pushed their burning car out of their Lake Albert carport before it exploded.
It was a frightening reminder of how easily an arson attack can claim a life.
“If we hadn’t woken up in time and pushed the car away, we might not still be here,” Ms Gawne said.
“The people that are doing this – they have no regard for people’s feelings, safety and well being and soon they’ll kill somebody.
“It’s not safe for anyone anymore.”
The spike in arson attacks has prompted authorities to deliver a blatant message to fire bugs – stop before it is too late.
“They (fire bugs) have got no regard for people’s safety or the potential implications of any fire they light,” Fire and Rescue NSW Turvey Park station officer, Jason McDonnell, said.
“(Fires are) a cost the community has to bear.
“Insurance holders pay more for their car insurance and there is always the possibility that someone is going to get hurt or killed.”
The issue again came into the spotlight after brazen vandals set out on a Lake Albert arson spree during a highly-touted police operation.
Operation Assure, which allocated additional police officers to Wagga’s streets, wrapped up on Sunday after a two and a half week school holiday blitz.
Other notable arson attacks this year included the destruction of Wagga Rotary Club’s charity stockpile and the demolition of a Neighbourhood Watch President’s prized ute.
The most recent incident came on Saturday when a car was set alight on Red Hill Road late in the evening.
Anyone with any information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.