Posted Jan. 11th, 2009:

Car Fire Bulletin -

On Saturday morning [January 10th, 2009] around 5 am Bostonian Village-North condominium had two arson fires within the geographical borders of the complex.  Two cars were set on fire, one at 4820 South 19th and the other in the driveway of the private residence that abuts the private street of our complex (4821/23 South 20th).  Subsequently we learned that there were 6 vehicles that were set on fire on 1/10/09 and that there were prior incidences of garage and/or car burnings, dating back into December 2008.  Judging from what we were told the area being targeted stretches (approximately) from 6th to 20th streets, as far south as Ramsey and north to our condos in the 4800 block of South 19th. Locking a vehicle parked on a driveway proved to be no deterrent since it looks like one of the cars that was torched had its electric mirror broken off providing an access hole into the car's interior through which the fire was started. This is speculation from the car owner, but makes sense based on where the fires seems to have started and how it burned. Both the MPD and MFD told us that increased vigilance is the best way to prevent future incidents and all residents were urged to call 9-1-1 if any suspicious activity is observed.