JUST three days into the bushfire season, police yesterday revealed they had already arrested 10 people for lighting fires.
More disturbingly, several of the fires were started by people aware that they were being monitored by police at the time. As part of anti-arson operation Nomad, police are watching about 50 persons of interest through random doorknocks, spot checks and surveillance.
The officer in charge of the operation, Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Sanderson, yesterday said the operation had been unexpectedly successful.
The fire season has only been going since Sunday and already we have 10 arrests, he said.
As far as seasons go, to be not even a week in and already have had 10 arrests, shows our approach is effective.
But he said officers could not understand the motivation of people who so easily put others at great risk.
Some of the people we visit say 'oh, we've been expecting a call' . .
. it's almost a celebrity thing for them. You can't rationalise it, Sen-Sgt Sanderson said.
They may be depressed or have low self esteem but . . .
they must be capable of thinking what might happen, that people could be killed or houses lost.
The arrests also sent out a strong warning that zero tolerance meant exactly that.
In the past, we might have cautioned or reported someone.
Not this year, Sen-Sgt Sanderson said.
The potential is huge for South Australia not only in terms of human, property and stock loss, but also basic infrastructure.
The 10 arrested, adults and juveniles of both sexes, are yet to face court.
All were charged with causing fire either deliberately or negligently and all arrests were within 100km of Adelaide.
Last year, there were 142 arrests during the fire danger season.
Opposition Leader Iain Evans suggested a more innovative approach to deter repeat offenders.
If the arrests show a large number of repeat offenders and a 20-year jail sentence isn't enough to deter them, then maybe we need to look at more innovative approaches, he said.
Mr Evans said the Government could look at confiscating offenders' vehicles, limiting their travel ability significantly.
I don't know how it would work, but Parliament could look at giving the courts a minimum sentencing period and the judge could vary time over that minimum, he said.
A spokesman for Premier Mike Rann said the Government would not comment on the arrests while court action was still pending.
Since the introduction of the 20-year arson penalty in 2002, the longest jail term imposed has been 6 1/2 years.
Independent MP Bob Such supported minimum sentencing calls and called for even more radical approaches.
Those who posed a risk, should consider having to wear electronic bracelets tracking their movements during the fire danger season, a move which would protect suspects and the community.
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