Police are investigating a suspected arson attack that destroyed a vehicle near a popular campground.
Vehicle owner Hailey Hald was camping with her fiance Tim Dykstra at the SS Dorigo camping area at Inskip Point, near Rainbow Beach, last weekend.
Ms Hald, from Kallangur in Brisbane’s north, said she parked her car about 100-150m from the campground entry sign on the shoulder of the road on Friday night.
It wasn’t until the next morning while returning to her car that police called her to notify her it had been destroyed.
“I saw the wreckage while on the phone with police – quite a stressful and heartbreaking experience,” she said.
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Ms Hald, a biomedical student who also works as a carer for the elderly, said the loss of her vehicle had been devastating.
“I lost several important belongings like my wallet and ID cards, bank cards, prescription glasses I wear daily, things I use for work like AirPods, a large water thermos, a work uniform and shoes,” she said.
She also lost university notes and textbooks, as well as a lab coat and safety prescription glasses for lab work.
A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed the incident.
“Police are investigating a fire that destroyed a 2002 silver Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle at Inskip on May 10,” they said.
“Around 1.43am police were called to the car on fire on Inskip Point Road.
“The female owner of the vehicle told police she was camping a short distance away from the vehicle in a nearby campground when the fire happened.
“No one was physically injured in the fire.
“Anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the fire or has any dashcam to assist the investigation is asked to come forward.”
Ms Hald said she’d heard no further updates from police and had no idea as to who or why her car was targeted.
“I’m unable to work without a car as I see clients in their own personal homes, assisting in personal care, transportation to appointments and personal errands, helping maintain a clean safe home that meets that person’s needs,” she said.
“Financially it’s been hard due to the cost of living and as Tim has been recovering from a WorkCover injury for the last several months. So while my job has been able to afford us our needs and bills it’s been hard to save while also studying.”
Ms Hald has started a GoFundMe campaign to “help lighten the burden of replacing her car and valuables out of her own pocket”.
“I’m not asking for some flashy car, I just want to be able to work and study after saving and working for years to get to where I am,” she said.
“Any donations are incredibly appreciated.”
You can contribute here.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day. Quote this reference number: QP2500804613.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
