A Canterbury demolition company has lost three trucks in an arson attack at the weekend. 

The trucks, owned by Paul Flanaghan Contracting, are believed to have been set on fire early on Sunday.  

Detective Aaron George, of Rangiora, said it appeared to be a targeted attack. 

The trucks, worth at least $300,000 combined, were parked in a farm yard in Woodend Beach Rd, down a tree-lined driveway about 500 metres from Main North Rd.

Separate fires were lit in each of the truck's cabs. 

Neighbours reported hearing a popping sound about 3am yesterday, consistent with the cab windows blowing out. 

"They had a look but didn't see anything," George said. 

The incident was "up there" in terms of serious arson, he said.

"It's clear to me the fires were deliberately lit. The motive will be the key to it."

Flanaghan is overseas, and police hoped to make contact with him today. 

Anyone with information or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area between Saturday night and Sunday morning was asked to phone George on 313 6167.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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