Seaton hair salon fire linked to bikie crime feud
An early-morning arson attack in Adelaide’s western suburbs has been linked to a string of bikie incidents, sparked by an unpaid drug debt.
- Bikie cold-case arrests spark crime war
- Mile End food van destroyed in fire attack
- Marleston gym targeted in arson attack
An arson attack at a Seaton hairdressing salon has been linked to an escalating bikie feud triggered by an unpaid drug debt.
Police and fire crews were sent to a block of businesses on Clare Tce just before 5am this morning after receiving reports of a fire at the complex.
No one was injured in the incident, which caused about $20,000 worth of damage.
Police remained at the scene on Wednesday morning.
A jerry can could be seen on the ground near the entrance of the hairdressing salon.
No other businesses were damaged.
A neighbouring shop owner said the salon changed hands about a month ago and opens only one or two days a week.
It is understood a former owner of the salon has links to a bikie gang.
Police have confirmed the blaze is linked to three other incidents that have occurred in the past week.
“Police believe the fire this morning at a business in Seaton is linked to the recent fires at Marleston and Mile End, and the shooting at Ascot Park on Monday night,” a police spokesman said.
“All the matters remain under investigation by Crime Gangs Task Force detectives, and police wish to reassure the public that they are targeted attacks.”
On August 9, a boxing gym in Marker Ave at Marleston was set alight and five shots were fired at the premises in an early-morning attack.
Less than 24 hours earlier, a food van at a Mile End house was destroyed by a deliberately-lit fire.
On Monday evening, shots were fired at a house in Ascot Park.
The bikie feud began after five current or former Hells Angels members were arrested last week over the 2012 murder of Jason De Ieso at his Pooraka business.
Four homes and a business were searched by police on Tuesday in connection with that investigation.
Police say the incarceration of the men has caused a shift in power within Adelaide’s criminal underworld, triggering a series of incidents and retaliations over a “substantial drug debt”.
They are urging anyone with information to speak to authorities.
“You can remain anonymous, and all information will be treated with strict confidentiality,” the police spokesman said.
Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 report it online here.