Police: 12 vehicles damaged in Aurora arson

Authorities are investigating an arson that damaged a dozen vehicles early Saturday in west suburban Aurora.

Police and fire personnel were called about a potential structure fire about 2 a.m. near Highland Avenue and Charles Street and arrived to find 12 vehicles burning inside a gated parking lot in the 600 block of Charles, according to a statement from the Aurora Police Department.

Nine sedans, two SUVs and a van were damaged in the fire, with the total loss estimated at about $48,000, police said. The privately owned lot was apparently being used by someone who buys and sells used vehicles.

No injuries were reported in the fire, police said.

Anyone with information about the arson is asked to call investigators at (630) 256-5500 or Aurora Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000. Calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could qualify for a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to any arrests.