Crime gangs behind spate of arsons and assaults in the southern suburbs

Police have launched an investigation into a series of serious assaults and arsons in the southern suburbs involving organised crime gangs.

Police have launched an investigation into a series of serious assaults and arsons in the southern suburbs, which they believe involve organised crime gangs.

Detective chief inspector David Scutchings said one of the arson attacks caused more than $1m in damages.

He said there had been two arsons and four assaults since August last year.

“It is believed the incidents started as a result of clashing criminal enterprises, and they’ve escalated and continued on in a ‘tit for tat’ type scenario,” he said.

“It appears to have happened in a chronological order of events, that one of events have occurred, followed by one, followed by another, in a reprisal type scenario.”

They are believed to be “tit for tat” attacks with victims declining to provide police with details of the incidents.

One arson was a fire at Zak’s Pizza and Grill at Happy Valley on August 18, 2020.

The attack at Zak’s Pizza was the third time it had been targeted in as many years.

On August 22, 2020, Melt Hair Studio at Woodcroft was set alight, causing in excess of $1m damage.

On October 20, 2020, a man was seriously assaulted at Randell Road, Morphett Vale.

Three more serious assaults occurred on October 23, 2020, at Nunyah Avenue in Park Holme, Parramatta Drive in Morphett Vale and at Seaford Rise.

Police became aware of the assaults after the four victims, who received serious head injuries and broken limbs, presented at hospital.

Police said the incidents started as a result of clashing organised crime gangs and have continued due to ongoing reprisals.

Chief inspector Scutchings could not confirm whether the incidents are bikie related, but said police are investigating that avenue.

He said all parties are known to each other.

Police have linked a blue Holden Crewman ute to the assaults, and are particularly interested in speaking with an elderly male and a female who may have seen the assaults at Park Holme.

“I’d like to stress police are reliant on the public providing us with information on these and other crimes, and we do offer anonymity,” chief inspector Scutchings said.

Police cannot confirm why the particular businesses were targeted.

No direct links to drugs have been discovered.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.