Men charged with arsons likely to face more relating to tyre slashing

One of the many tyres that was damaged during a crime spree throughout Whangārei. Photo / File

Two men charged with seven arsons are likely to face at least another hundred charges relating to a tyre slashing spree in Whangārei when they next appear in court.

Police are working their way through more than 100 complaints of vehicles, including trucks, which had tyres slashed or were set alight during a crime spree in June this year.

One owner who had their car torched on June 23 said the arrests were a relief.

"I'm relieved they have found someone after all this time and it's good to know someone is going to be held accountable. It has caused a lot of angst," she said.

Derek James Lynn, 28, of Otangarei appeared in the Whangārei District Court yesterday on eight charges.

On seven arson charges Lynn was jointly charged with another Northland man, aged 26, who was scheduled to appear in court today. He can not be named by the Northern Advocate until he has appeared in court.

The charges currently faced by the duo include lighting fires around Whangārei city in a bamboo hedge, a shelter belt and public toilets on Kamo Rd and four vehicles, one of which was a courier van. Three of the cars were set on fire on the night of June 23 and two were in the same street.

The eighth charge faced by Lynn was a breach of a protection order just last week. He was remanded in custody to appear again on August 20.

Acting District Commander Inspector Justin Rogers said at the time police acknowledged the many victims of the crime spree and were aware it would cost owners a considerable amount of money to replace their tyres.

"I would like to thank members of the public who provided information and all of the police staff who worked diligently on this inquiry from the initial reporting through to the investigation and charging of these offenders.

"We are mindful that these matters will progress through the courts and we are still interested in hearing from anyone who might have further information.

"A team of detectives has been working on the inquiry and they were determined to hold the offenders to account."

Rogers said it had been a challenging investigation for the team and hoped the arrests brought some reassurance to the community.

"Inquiries are ongoing and police are still working through contacting the large number of victims of this crime."

Cars, vans and even trucks were targeted during the tyre slashing spree, with the tyre of a truck carrying 14,000 litres of oil slashed 12 times, putting the life of the driver and other motorists in danger, the owner said at the time.

Owner of the rig, Ron Salter, said the slashing of the tyre had the potential to cause a fatality.

The spree caused major disruption for dozens of motorists, who had to replace tyres. At least one owner had all four tyres slashed, while many others had two slashed.

If you have any further information that could help the investigation call Detective Sergeant David Hamilton Whangārei CIB (09) 430 4596.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.