Tuesday, 1 May 2018 - 11:12am

Counties Manukau Police are currently investigating a spate of suspicious fires in the Pukekohe, Drury and Papakura areas and are now asking for assistance from our community to help us identify a potential suspect.

Since 21 April 2018 there has been 16 fires which we believe are suspicious. A number of these have been at show homes and vacant houses under construction, however more recently a primary school has been targeted. The most recent was on Sunday at around 11.30pm at a home under construction in Pukekohe.

Counties Manukau South Area Commander Inspector Dave Glossop says these fires are very concerning to Police and we are taking this issue seriously.

“We have put together an investigation team and are working closely with Fire and Emergency New Zealand. We want to assure our community that we are following positive lines of enquiry but would like anyone who recognises the person in these images to contact Police immediately. While the photo does not show the suspect's face, we believe that someone may recognise the clothing and build of the offender,” says Inspector Glossop.

“We estimate the total damage to the properties to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not higher. We have brought in extra resources and our staff are actively patrolling high-risk areas. We urge our community to contact 111 immediately if they notice any suspicious activity particularly in the Counties Manukau South area from Papakura to Pukekohe,” says Inspector Glossop.

Anyone with information that can assist our investigation team is asked to contact Detective Senior Sergeant Mal Hassall on 021 191 2065. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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