Information plea after arson incidents in Winyates (From Redditch Advertiser)

Information plea after arson incidents in Winyates

4:00pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Local

INFORMATION is being sought by police about two arsons incidents in Redditch.

They happened in the evening on Sunday, September 23.

A fire was started outside a house in Dolben Lane, melting a gas unit, just before 7.30pm and an hour later a bin outside a home in nearby Fownhope Close was set alight.

There were a number of youths and young adults in the area at the time, including a woman aged about 20, and a boy of about 12, who is described as being short, and wearing a light beige hoodie.

Winyates Local Policing Officer PC Paul Kennedy said they were the latest in a series of similar arsons in the Winyates area, and officers are working closely with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's Arson Reduction Manager and with Redditch Borough Council.

PC Kennedy said: "Starting fires is both dangerous and irresponsible.

"Both of these incidents had the potential to be much more serious, especially the Dolben Close incident, which resulted in gas engineers having to be called out.

“Even small fires can very quickly get out of control and while firefighters are dealing with these blazes, they are not available to deal with other incidents.

"Those responsible need to remember arson is treated extremely seriously, and carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment."

Patrols by uniformed and non-uniformed staff have been increased to reassure residents and arrest those responsible.

Police are reminding residents that bins need to be kept secure and in designated areas away from properties where possible, and to ensure that any other rubbish or unwanted items are properly disposed of.

Anyone with information can call PC Kennedy or PC Samantha Connop at West Mercia Police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 566-s-230912 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.