Arson Attack on Gordon Avenue: A Harsh Lesson in Cutting Security Too Soon
In the early hours of April 2, 2025, a major fire tore through a well-known automotive business on Gordon Avenue, Geelong West. Fire crews were called to the WGBW Group Panel Beater Accident Repairs site at 26–30 Gordon Avenue around 5:35 a.m., where they found flames already consuming the 30-metre by 12-metre facility. Crews managed to bring the fire under control within 35 minutes, but by then, the damage had already been done.
This was no accident—Victoria Police confirmed the fire was deliberately lit, making this a targeted arson attack on a long-standing local business.
A Costly Decision: When Cutting Security Backfires
What makes this incident especially frustrating is that it may have been preventable. One of our trained security guards was stationed at the site during overnight hours—but was asked to leave just 30 minutes before the attack occurred. The client’s decision to cut security coverage short to save on costs ultimately left the premises unprotected during a critical window.
Sadly, this kind of cost-conscious thinking is something we encounter far too often. Business owners want to protect their assets but underestimate the risks of “just a couple of hours” without coverage—especially in the early morning when most attacks like this occur.
Sites at Risk: More Than Just One Location
The Gordon Avenue site isn’t an isolated case. We also provide coverage for:
- WGBW Group | 84 Gordon Street, Maribyrnong, Melbourne VIC 3032
- Werribee Accident Repair Centre | Werribee, VIC
These are high-traffic, high-risk locations, housing expensive tools, equipment, vehicles, and materials that are prime targets for theft, vandalism, and arson. Opportunistic criminals know that panel beaters and repair centres are gold mines when left unsecured—especially overnight.
Why a Parked Security Vehicle Is Essential
When a professional security vehicle is parked visibly out front, it does more than just sit there:
✅ Acts as a visual deterrent—would-be attackers think twice
✅ Equipped with live-stream IP cameras and dash cams
✅ Streams to other on-duty guards or monitoring stations
✅ Captures footage for evidence and real-time incident response
✅ Supports guards on foot patrol, offering 360° coverage
Even if the guard is on break or has stepped away briefly, the vehicle remains on site as a visible and active security presence. It’s mobile, smart, and strategically placed—exactly what’s needed in areas with escalating crime.
The Real Cost of “Saving Money”
Let’s be honest: saving a few hundred dollars on a security shift isn’t worth the hundreds of thousands in fire damage, insurance claims, business interruption, and staff downtime that follows an event like this.
This is not about fear—it’s about real-world risk management. Cutting back on security is not a cost-saving strategy—it’s a liability.
What This Means for Business Owners
If you operate an accident repair centre, body shop, or construction site—especially in areas like Geelong, Maribyrnong, Werribee, or other high-risk zones—you need to ask yourself:
- Are we vulnerable during early morning or late-night hours?
- Are we visible to the public and potentially targeted?
- Can we afford to recover from a loss if something happens?
If the answer to any of those questions worries you—it’s time to talk to us.
Protect What You’ve Built
At Corrective Services Pty Ltd, we specialise in commercial security solutions that actually prevent incidents—not just respond to them. Our Security Vehicle Onsite Protection service combines the power of presence with smart surveillance, making it one of the most effective deterrents available today.
Don’t wait until your business becomes the next Gordon Avenue headline.
Call us today and let’s talk about how we can keep your site safe, secure, and covered—no matter the hour.
