By Aneeka Simonis
WITNESSES spotted runaway firebugs leaving the scene of two car fires in Officer and Cora Lynn last week.
Both cars were stolen days before they were set alight, with the burnt remains of one containing a fuel can.
A white Mercedes van was found burnt out on Bunyip River Road, Cora Lynn, about 1am on Saturday 15 October.
A witness who approached the destroyed vehicle told police a car sped off west from the scene.
A five-litre fuel can was found on the car’s passenger seat.
Police said the car was stolen from out the front of a Nyanda Court home in Croydon hours earlier sometime after 6pm on Friday 14 October.
Days earlier, another stolen car was set alight, with at least one witness sighting a male and getaway car fleeing the scene.
A maroon 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen from a Lantana Drive property in Narre Warren on Wednesday 5 October and set alight in Officer.
Police said the car was found alight about 9.45pm on Tuesday 11 October on Lecky Road near Stephens Road.
The witness was unable to provide a description of the man or car.
The incidents have caused concern for police and CFA currently preparing for bushfire season.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
