Police have arrested two males, aged 18 and 31, and charged them with arson in relation to fires at the Karori Scout Hall in October 2014 and at the Karori Mall in January this year.
The 18 year old faces two charges of arson in relation to the Scout Hall and Karori Mall fires while the 31 year old faces a single charge relating to the Karori Mall fire. Both were remanded on strict bail conditions when they made their initial appearance yesterday and will reappear in the Wellington District Court on 13 April 2015.
Detective Sergeant Joshua McAllum says "It will come as a relief to the Karori community to know that the pair have been identified and will be prevented from putting further property and potentially people's lives at risk."
"The willingness of the local community to come forward with information has been beneficial to advancing the investigation and I want thank those that came forward."
"Police are continuing to investigate a number of smaller fires in the area and encourage anyone with any information about people acting suspiciously before or after these to contact Police."
Anyone with any information can contact Wellington Police on (04) 381 2000. Information can also be provided anonymously via the Crimestoppers organisation on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
For media queries please contact Nick Bohm, Wellington District Communications Manager, on (04) 496 3464 or 021 192 1816.