There appears to be little interest in a public meeting to discuss the incidents of arson and other acts of mischief on Essling Avenue., says Hamilton police Division 3 Supt. Ken Bond.

Police were slated to go door to door again this week in the community of about 80 townhouse units on the south-central Mountain in a bid to gather information they hope will help them arrest whoever set the fire at 110 Essling last month that left a family of five homeless.

The same person or persons may also be responsible for several car fires, another building fire and other mischief dating back three or four years.

“I think somebody has seen the suspect and may know something that could fit into that puzzle that will allow us to maybe find a person of interest,” Bond said.

Central Mountain (Ward 7) Coun. Scott Duvall, who met with Hamilton Police Chief Glenn De Caire last week about the Essling incidents, said he spoke to some Essling residents recently and also found little interest in a public meeting.

“Everybody seems (to think) everything is fine,” Duvall said.

Police were hoping to hold a public meeting this week if there was enough interest from the community.

Bond said police have stepped up patrols in the area and are leaving letters at each unit encouraging the residents to contact them if they have any concerns. He said police do not consider the street a high crime area nor do they believe the fires are gang-related or that anyone has been specifically targetted.

Meanwhile, the Hamilton police Break Enter Auto Theft Reduction (BEAR) unit continues to probe the Feb. 17 arson and other incidents on the street. Bond said that will include checking out previous offenders living in the area.

Anyone with information about any incidents on Essling Avenue is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 905- 522-8477.