A man has been charged after causing what’s believed to be about $75,000 worth of damage to a central Ballarat church on Thursday.
Police allege the 53-year-old set a lectern, altar and other antique furniture alight before smashing a window and fleeing the scene.
Two men were inside the Lydiard Street South church at the time but were not injured.
The Redan man faced court in Ballarat today eyeballing a string of charges including arson and unlawful assault.
“Our team of detectives demonstrated their efficiency and skill in identifying, locating, and arresting the offender for this incident in under 24 hours,” said Detective Sergeant Glen Melder of the Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit.
“We understand that a church is a safe space for many, and it was important for us to find the offender and hold him to account as quickly as possible,” he said.
The incident is not believed to be religiously motivated.
