BALLARAT: Church damaged
Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following an arson in Ballarat on Thursday (Nov. 13).
It is alleged the man was seen acting erratically by witnesses inside a church on Lydiard St South about 3pm.
Police allege the man set a lectern, altar and other antique furniture alight before smashing a window and fleeing the scene.
The fire was extinguished and the damage is estimated to be around $75,000.
Two men were inside at the time but were not injured.
Detectives executed a search warrant at a property on Bell St in Redan and arrested a 53-year-old man on Friday (Nov. 14).
The Redan man was charged with arson, criminal damage (x3), unlawful assault and possess prohibited weapon.
He appeared at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court where he was bailed to attend court again on November 17.
The incident is not believed to be religiously motivated.
Detective Sergeant Glen Melder from Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit said: “Our team of detectives demonstrated their efficiency and skill in identifying, locating, and arresting the offender for this incident in under 24 hours.
“We understand that a church is a safe space for many, and it was important for us to find the offender and hold him to account as quickly as possible.”