Residents asked to be vigilant!
Residents in north Warwickshire are being asked to be extra vigilant after a spate of early morning arson attacks.
The fires have been set in the early hours of the morning in Lea Marston and surrounding areas. A number of the incidents have happened in isolated areas on farms and derelict outbuildings. There have also been a few in the grounds of a local hotel.
Area Risk Officer, Andy Bates said:
“There has been a number of deliberate fires over the last few weeks, which are giving us a cause for concern. The timing of the incidents is quite strange for standard incidents of arson and although most of the fires have been set in secluded areas, we are asking residents to be extra vigilant, especially in the early hours. If residents do notice anything suspicious we are asking them to contact the police immediately.”
Farms are particularly vulnerable to arson. Their isolated location, open boundaries and readily ignitable hay and straw make them an easy target. Whilst arson attacks on farms and small holdings may be difficult to eliminate, a number of simple precautions can substantially reduce the risk of attack.
* Before you leave your property, please check that you lock all outhouses and ensure that all rubbish is removed from site.
* Whenever feasible hay and straw should be removed from fields as soon as possible after harvesting.
* Petrol, diesel and other fuels should be stored in secure areas and storage tank outlets should be padlocked.
* Maintain the security of the outbuildings; replace or re-site security and warning notices
For further information on fire safety log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue