Crackdown On Arsonists In The Crewe area (From Crewe Guardian)

Crackdown On Arsonists In The Crewe area

10:38am Monday 19th July 2010 in

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ARSONISTS who are torching cars in the Crewe area are being targeted by police and fire officers.

They are offering incentives for people to provide information as they investigate some 34 vehicle fires this year have been started deliberately.

Areas which have been hit by car fires are being circulated with leaflets urging people to keep an eye open for anyone acting suspiciously around parked vehicles.

Sergeant Lindsay Chamberlain said: “We believe someone responsible for this type of mindless vandalism might well have been bragging about it.

“Young people in particular might pick that up.

"We have obtained some partnership money and can offer some itune or phone vouchers for information, which results in the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the fires.

“We have a number of lines of inquiry under way but will always welcome more information.”

Barry Rose, station manager at Crewe Fire Station, said: “Deliberate car fires are a serious problem in Crewe at the moment.

"So we are working with the police to ensure that the culprits are caught and dealt with accordingly before something more serious happens as a result.

“The majority of the vehicles involved have been parked near properties or buildings, which could in turn catch fire, potentially putting people’s lives in danger.

"Cars are filled with highly flammable materials. So, fires can take hold very quickly.

"This issue is a priority for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.”

Sgt Chamberlain added: “These attacks have all taken place at night and most have been on cars parked in the street.

"The vast majority have no apparent motive at all.

"They just seem to be the work of people who get a buzz from setting fire to things and presumably, watching firefighters deal with a blaze.

“The incidents were spread across several different areas of Crewe.

"Some of them were obviously connected but there is more than one person or group of people starting these fires."