KEY POINTS:
A police car was set on fire early yesterday - and it is believed the attack was in retaliation for a series of search warrants recently executed.
The unmarked car was found ablaze behind the Mt Maunganui police station at 3.15am by an officer as he drove into the carpark.
The officer used the station's fire hose and was able to put out the flames within 10 minutes before they could take hold.
But enough damage was done that the 2005 Holden Commodore Executive, worth $30,000, is expected to be written off after scene investigations are completed.
Mt Maunganui Senior Sergeant Tania Kura would not say how the fire was started but said most of the damage was at the front end around the driver's side.
By the time the officer arrived, the plastic on the car was fuelling the fire.
Ms Kura said in their line of work, police dealt with annoyed people. Officers already had a few suspects to follow up and investigations were well under way.
The reason for the attack might have been a series of search warrants that were recently executed by local police, she said.
Members of the public would probably already know who started the fire.
"They will probably be bragging, because what's the point in doing that if you don't brag?"
However, Ms Kura said incidents like yesterday morning's would not deter police from their work.
"The bottom line is it doesn't stop us or deter us ... Anyone that comes into our own territory steps over the line," she said.
Mt Maunganui police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the police station about the time of the fire.
Phone 0800 SPEAK UP (773 2587).
- NZPA
