Security cameras will be installed at an Altona Meadows reserve to stop a series of deliberate fires at the site of a giant flower sculpture.
Numerous fires have occurred at the public open space on the corner of Queen and Merton streets and several locals have reported a suspected arsonist.
The corner site contains an eight-metre steel sculpture called Grow, installed in 2011 at a cost of $150,000 to Hobsons Bay ratepayers, including $94,000 for landscaping.
The site has a memorial park bench dedicated to Altona Meadows teenager Allem Halkic, who died by suicide in 2009 after being cyber-bullied.
Hobsons Bay councillor Colleen Gates said council mobile CCTV, which is rotated around vandalism and rubbish dumping hot-spots, would be installed at the site.
“I’ve heard anecdotal comments from other people in Altona Meadows that it’s probably one person,” she said.
“Someone who’s lighting fires like that, regardless of whether it’s in that reserve or other locations … they’ve clearly got no regard for the safety of other residents, their own neighbours and people who live in those areas. If they persist, they will be caught.”
Cr Gates said there had also been fires along Queen and Orville streets in a series of blazes that started in October.
Police are investigating.
Anyone with information is being urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
