Police Urge Public for Tips on $1 Million Invercargill Arson

On December 3, 2023, a fire in Queens Park, Invercargill, resulted in significant damage estimated at around $1 million. The blaze destroyed four vehicles belonging to Treetech, a Christchurch-based company involved in storm recovery efforts. The vehicles were assisting with cleanup operations following severe winds in late October that damaged thousands of trees across the region.

According to Chris Walsh, the chief executive of Treetech, the incident has had a substantial financial impact on the company. “The fire has caused about a million dollars worth of damage,” Walsh stated shortly after the incident. Initial investigations by local authorities suggest that the vehicles were deliberately set on fire.

Detective Sergeant John Kean, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that police are treating the incident as arson. In a public appeal for information, Kean urged anyone who was near Queens Drive between 12:00 am and 12:30 am on the morning of the fire to come forward. “We want to hear from anyone who may have seen something suspicious or who has information that could assist our investigation,” he emphasized.

The police have set up a dedicated channel for tips regarding the case. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the police via 105, referencing file number 251203/6133.

The Invercargill community remains on alert as police continue their inquiries into the cause of the fire. The destruction of Treetech’s vehicles not only affects the company but also hampers ongoing recovery efforts in the area. With the local authorities keen to resolve the case, the public’s cooperation could be vital in bringing the responsible parties to justice.