Detectives from Hobart CIB and uniform officers from Hobart Police Station have arrested several young people, most known to each other, for a series of crimes of destruction across Hobart city in the last week.  These included graffiti damage of the war memorial at the Regatta Grounds at the weekend (see previous media release).

Most recently, a 15 year old teenage boy was charged by Detectives on Tuesday night, 7 August 2012, with 12 counts of unlawfully setting fire to property, 5 counts of destroying property, one count of unlawfully setting fire to vegetation and a final count of burglary of a business premises in Brisbane Street, Hobart.

“The teenager is alleged to have set fire to council utilities, business premises across the Hobart CBD and vegetation on the Regatta Grounds over the course of a few days last weekend,” said Detective Acting Inspector Craig Joel of Hobart CIB.

Serious fire and vandalism damage amounting to thousands of dollars was caused to 12 business premises in Argyle Street, Collins Street, Elizabeth Street and Murray Street, Hobart.

“On most occasions, wheelie bins were set alight and pushed against inner city business facades, causing significant fire damage,” Acting Inspector Joel said.  Lighting and signage was also destroyed.

“Resultant damage has caused concern and anxiety for business owners and other members of the community.”

“A damaged building is more than just an inconvenience or repair burden for the owners and operators.  It can affect the business owner’s livelihood and threatens the safety of nearby inner city residents and attending emergency service workers”, Acting Inspector Joel said.

Acting Inspector Joel said young offenders who commit serious and adult crimes may be referred to court like an adult.  In this case, the 15 year old youth was remanded in custody at Ashley Youth Detention Centre.

A second 14 year old teenage boy has been proceeded against under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act with 12 counts of unlawfully setting fire to property, 4 counts of destroy property, 3 counts of burglary, and 2 counts of stealing.

Further arrests are expected to be made.

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