An occupant of a Public Rental Board Estate flat in Raiwai has reported that children were behind the alleged damaging of properties belonging to tenants.

These properties include a car, a couch and clothes hanging on a line that were set alight this week on different occasions.

It has caused fear among some worried residents.

On Thursday evening the children, described as possibly teenagers, were caught in the act, however they escaped apprehension.

What happened

An occupant at one of the Raiwai flats, Sereana Baleinuku, said she saw the commotion.

“They are all school-age children. I did not see their faces properly but saw what was happening,” she said.

“The security officers and some residents gave chase and even closed the gate but they managed to escape.”

Ms Baleinuku claimed there were three of them and they were able to escape through the space under the main gate.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said they were still investigating the incident.

Residents are thankful that none of the incidents escalated into a major disaster.

After the incident, PRB is now considering installing surveillance cameras.

Acting general manager Patrick Veu confirmed that there were no CCTV cameras at the moment in the flats.

After the fire incidents PRB had requested for more presence from the Raiwaqa Police Station personnel.

There had been consultation with the Raiwai tenants committee in assisting Police with the foot patrol and extra security guards called in.

Also, the National Fire Authority was requested to undertake a fire drill awareness for tenants.

Residents also said the main gates to the Raiwai flats, which were usually left open, were now being closed at 10pm.

Edited by Percy Kean

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A private car that was allegedly set alight at the Public Rental Board Raiwai flats car park . Photo: Ronald Kumar