POLICE fear more people could be left without their vehicles after multiple cars were stolen and torched in Bathurst in a 24-hour period.
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Emergency services were called to Hector Park at about 5am on Tuesday morning, where they found a Volkswagen sedan fully alight.
The following morning, two more cars were found engulfed by flames.
One vehicle, a Ford Focus, was located just off Bradwardine Road in Walmer Park.
That call came in shortly before 1am Wednesday, and then about half an hour later emergency services were called to Cheviot Drive, Kelso, where a vehicle parked out on the street was alight.
Chifley Police District duty officer Inspector David Abercrombie said the vehicles in Walmer Park and Cheviot Drive had been stolen, dumped and set on fire, while the car in Hector Park may also have been stolen, but that isn't confirmed.
Police are continuing their investigations into the fires, which may be related.
"We've got no evidence to confirm that they are, but it is considered a fairly unlikely occurrence around here, so we would have our suspicions that the people involved would be linked in some way," Inspector Abercrombie said.
So far, witness reports to police suggest multiple people are involved.
"There was a car, not really any further description of it, seen leaving the vicinity of the Cheviot Drive fire and there were two people seen from a distance running away from the one off Bradwardine Road," Inspector Abercrombie said.
"We would like to make a plea to any members of the public who may have heard or seen anything at all to contact Bathurst Police Station or Crimestoppers."
The numbers to call are 6332 8699 or 1800 333 000.
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Inspector Abercrombie said police were "absolutely" concerned that it could happen again and are urging residents to be vigilant.
"First and foremost, they need to secure their vehicles as best as they can, but then also if they hear or see any suspicious activity, contact us immediately," he said.
If police can find the people responsible for any of the fires, they will face serious consequences, with one of the likely possibilities being jail time.
