Deliberately lit fires reported around Murray Bridge

Plus police bust cannabis-growing operations at Tailem Bend and Callington.

Deliberately lit fires reported around Murray Bridge
Fire engulfs a tree on Lorikeet Avenue, Murray Bridge on April 21. Photo: Monica Louise Perrett/Facebook.

Murray Bridge police have asked members of the public to report any suspicious activity after at least six local fires which appeared to have been deliberately lit.

Firefighters have been called out to a number of potentially suspicious fires during the past month, including:

  • Bin fires on Weigall Avenue, Ibis Road and Ridge Road
  • Tree fires on Burdekin Avenue and Lorikeet Avenue
  • Front yard furniture or mattress fires on Best Street and Swanport Road
  • A fire around a stobie pole which damaged phone lines

In a community Facebook group, local resident Monica Perrett said she had seen two young men go past on pushbikes a short time before a fire started in the tree pictured above, on Lorikeet Avenue, on April 21.

Anyone with information about the fires, or others in the Murray Bridge area, should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.

People who provide information can remain anonymous.

These cannabis plants were allegedly found on a property at Tailem Bend on Friday. Photo: SA Police.

Police bust cannabis growers at Tailem Bend, Callington

Meanwhile, two men have been arrested for drug trafficking after separate police raids in the Murraylands on Friday.

Police first raided a property on Westbrook Road, Tailem Bend at 8.15am.

They allegedly found nine cannabis plants being grown hydroponically, using electricity which had been illegally diverted out of the power grid, plus an amount of dried cannabis.

They charged a 43-year-old man with trafficking a commercial quantity of the illicit drug, cultivation, possession and theft.

At 1.35pm on the same day, detectives raided a property on Kiernan Street, Callington.

They allegedly found 14 cannabis plants being grown hydroponically, plus dried cannabis.

They arrested a local man and charged him with trafficking, cultivation and possession.

Each men was granted bail and will face court in Murray Bridge on June 5.

Detective Chief Inspector Denise Gray said SA Police would take every opportunity to apprehend people involved in the illegal drug trade.

She also warned people about the risks that arose when guns and drugs came together.

Truckie told to take a break

Finally, a truck driver from New South Wales will face court in Murray Bridge for allegedly failing to take enough breaks from driving.

Officers stopped the 24-year-old man on the South Eastern Freeway at White Hill last Wednesday to conduct a random check.

He had allegedly failed to take 24 hours off at any point during the previous six days.


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