Vandals set fire to mobile phone detection camera

Police in Queensland are on the hunt for those responsible for setting alight a portable mobile phone detection camera.

A series of videos posted to social media platform TikTok by 'atonmic_von' shows the camera unit quickly engulfed in flames, with the fire brigade arriving on scene to extinguish the inferno.

While it's not clear how the fire started, authorities are treating it as deliberate.

"Police are investigating following the arson of a mobile camera trailer," a spokesperson for Queensland Police told Drive.

"Initial investigations indicate emergency services were called around 10.20pm to Nineteen Avenue [Elanora], following reports of the trailer being set alight.

"Upon arrival, emergency services were able to extinguish the fire, however the trailer was destroyed.

"The fire is being treated as suspicious at this time," the spokesperson said.

Police are asking for anyone who witnessed the latest incident on 30 December 2023, or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist investigators, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by clicking here.

"Ongoing investigations are occurring into the incident by Queensland Police Service," a spokesperson for Queensland Transport and Main Roads confirmed to Drive.

"The camera was not damaged in the fire; however, damage was sustained to the camera trailer. The trailer will be replaced as soon as possible."

Queensland motorists paid $95 million in fines from the mobile phone cameras between January and October 2023 according to 9News.

The portable cameras, which can also detect seatbelt infringements, caught more than 82,000 drivers doing the wrong thing over the 10-month period.

However, the Queensland Government admitted in September 2023 a "software error" had caused 1842 drivers to be issued with double demerit points over almost two years.

Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or who may have dashcam footage/CCTV footage that could assist with investigations to come forward.