Teen referred to Youth Aid over Waitākere BMX club arson attack

Police have made an arrest after investigating an arson that caused more than $50,000 worth of damage to a West Auckland BMX club.

A building at the Waitākere BMX Club on Birdwood Rd, Rānui went up in flames on November 24 and police have alleged the blaze was set on purpose.

“This fire was intentionally started in a bin full of paper and rubbish,” Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting said.

Bunting said the bin had been leaning up against the canteen when it was set on fire.

“Once it took hold, the flames engulfed the canteen and caused extensive damage to the inside and outside.”

CCTV captured the incident and helped the police investigation, ultimately leading them to locate who they believed was responsible for the arson.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand attended the blaze at the Waitākere BMX track. Photo / Michael Craig

“We are pleased to have been able to hold a person to account for their actions,” Bunting said.

“The BMX club worked really hard to set up the canteen and it was part of what kept them running.

“The alleged offenders’ thoughtless actions have done real harm to this community.”

A 15-year-old male has been referred to Youth Aid.

At the time of the incident, the Waitākere BMX Club said on social media that the fire would have a major impact on its finances.

“The canteen is a major source of income that helps fund everything we do,” a Facebook post read, “and now, not only have we lost that income, but we face the challenge of fundraising for repairs, replacements and putting in endless volunteer hours once again because of this act of destruction.

“What makes this even more heartbreaking is that a dedicated team of volunteers worked most of the day yesterday to get the club ready for the new season.

“To see all that effort undone so quickly is gutting.”

The club has continued to operate its track as usual, with weather being the only thing to have cancelled club nights since the incident.