This was published 7 years ago
Four children under 14 charged after shopping centre fires
By Amy Mitchell-Whittington
Four children under the age of 14 have been charged after fires were lit at three shopping centres across south-east Queensland.
The first incident occured last Wednesday at Coles in Fairfield Gardens in Brisbane's south when a customer noticed smoke in the store's clothing section just after 6pm.
The shopper managed to put out the small fire and no emergency services were required.
A day later, on January 12, a fire was lit in the clothing section at Kmart at Sunnybank Hills Shopping Centre just after 3pm.
Staff managed to put the fire out and no evacuation of the store was required.
On Monday, customers were evacuated from a large section of Logan Hyperdome after a fire was lit in Kmart about 1.30pm.
Police said the damage bill, including loss of trade, was estimated to be in excess of $140,000.
On Wednesday, police charged two boys, 10 and 11, and two girls, 10 and 11, with several offences including endangering particular property by fire and enter premises with intent and stealing.
In addition, two boys, both nine-years-old, were dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act in relation to the fire incidents.
Detective Acting Inspector Peter Waugh urged parents to keep a closer eye on their children.
"Lighting a fire in a shopping centre is reckless behaviour which could result in an absolute tragedy," he said.
"We would urge all parents to ensure they have responsible supervision arrangements in place for their children."
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