According to RCMP, officers from the St. Pierre-Jolys & Niverville detachment responded to a report of a fire at Kleefeld Park on Second Street at approximately 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3.
Hanover Fire Chief Paul Wiebe says crews were dispatched just before 6 p.m. to reports of fires in dumpsters at the Kleefeld Daycare and in the park washrooms near Kleefeld Park.
Firefighters extinguished the fires and turned the scene over to RCMP for investigation.
When officers arrived, police observed there had been fires in a dumpster and the men’s washroom.
Police say officers learned two male youths had allegedly been caught shoplifting at a nearby business before the fires.
Employees at the business were later informed by patrons that the same youths had reportedly started a fire at the park.
Another witness reported seeing the youths set a dumpster on fire and said they ran away after being confronted.
RCMP says officers quickly identified and located the two youths, aged 12 and 13, both from Kleefeld.
The youths were individually warned about the consequences of their actions and the possibility of criminal charges, police say.
No charges have been laid at this time.
RCMP says they will continue to work with community partners, including the local fire department, bylaw officers and community programming, to hold the youths accountable for their actions.
]]>
