Police are investigating a deliberately lit fire at Dragon Park in Lakeside, causing damage to public property.
Investigators have been told three boys and a girl were seen lighting books on fire on Blackwood Drive about 5.45am.
“Two passersby intervened and the youths put out the fire before fleeing,” the spokesperson said.
David Farrelly, president of the Lakeside Residents Group, said he is “deeply disappointed” to see this happen in his neighbourhood.
“What makes this even more upsetting is that the fire was fueled using books from the Lakeside Little Library — books donated by local families and volunteers to encourage reading, especially for our kids,” he wrote on social media.
“That is not mischief. That is deliberate, disrespectful and dangerous behaviour. When there is no respect for public property, there is no respect for people.”
He warned the outcome could have been far worse.
“If this had burned for just a little longer, it could have spread to the nearby shrubs, trees, dry mulch and grass — and from there, potentially to homes,” Mr Farrelly said.
“So I want to sincerely thank our FRV and emergency services for their fast, professional response.”
Dragon Park is known as a place of pride and connection, where families gather for birthdays, Christmas events, school holiday activities, and weekend barbecues.
“When someone damages Dragon Park, they damage our whole community,” Mr Farrelly said.
He said residents and volunteers deserved to feel safe and respected, and called for greater accountability for criminal behaviour.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
