Alexandra Wastebusters Fire is Arson
Police and Fire staff investigating the fire at Alexandra Wastebusters on Thursday night (03/09/15) now believe it was
started deliberately.
Detective Alan Lee of Alexandra CIB confirmed that a criminal arson investigation is now underway.
“The investigators have worked through a large scene, and now we have located the point where the fire started, it is
clear that it has been deliberately lit” he said.
Det Lee appealed for public help to find the person or persons responsible. “We need help from our local community” he said. “This is a small town and someone will know who is responsible. We need them to contact us.”
Anyone with any information can contact their local Police Station, ring the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 or e
mailDCC.Southern@Police.govt.nz.
Det Lee said Police would also appreciate any photographs or videos of the fire, especially in its early stages and
these can also be dropped into local Police or emailed to DCC.Southern@Police.govt.nz
Det Lee confirmed the complex had been completely destroyed by the fire, and would be a loss to the community. “Wastebusters is a local community funded orgainisation that helps many locals with employment, and is at the forefront
of local waste minimilisation initiatives” he said
He said, “the person or persons who did this has affected both individuals and our community as a whole.
As a community we need to work together to find those responsible.”
Police would also appreciate hearing from anyone who was in the Boundary Road industrial area in Alexandra between 6pm
and 8pm on Thursday night, or saw anything unusual in the surrounding area.
Det Lee’s comments are echoed by the Central Otago District Council.
They are asking anyone who knows anything to cooperate with the Police investigation.
“Central Otago Wastebusters, now Alexandra Wastebusters, has been providing recycling services to the community of
Central Otago since 2000,” said Jon Kingsford, Manager, Infrastructure Services.
“This is a community organisation made up of dedicated staff and loyal, long-serving volunteers all striving to make a
difference for our environment and our local community” he said
“Thursday night’s fire has been a devastating blow to the organisation but there is a lot of passion in the
Wastebusters’ team and a lot of love out there for this iconic institution – we know the community will rally behind
them. We’re a small community, so someone out there must know something about this week’s fire” he said
He said “We ask anyone that does know something to please cooperate fully with the Police.”
ENDS