Firefighters are urging businesses in the Spen Valley area to report any arson attacks, no matter how small, in a bid to close in on the criminals responsible.

 

The plea comes following a number of small arson attacks in the doorways of businesses and in wheelie bins/refuse containers around Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike. However, it is believed there could have been even more fires which have not been reported.

 

Firefighters have already posted flyers around the area making businesses aware of the services available and they have spoken to many people to give them help and advice.

 

Cleckheaton Fire Station Manager Mark Hitchcock is sure the arsonists will be caught if business owners work closely with the fire service. He

said: “Arson is a very serious matter and should be reported, no matter how minor it may appear. Our operational crews are working alongside our specialist Arson Task Force, the police and local authority to investigate every instance of arson thoroughly. All the information will help us identify trends, recognise patterns and track the movements of culprits so we are able to bring them to justice and make the Spen Valley area a safer place to live and work. 

 

“Deliberate fires also have other far-reaching consequences. They expose our firefighters to unnecessary risks and take resources away from other genuine emergencies, meaning fire crews have to travel from a different station area.”

 

Sergeant Nick Day of the Spen Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team said:

“If we hear about each and every incident which occurs, it enables us to paint a true picture of the situation and apply the appropriate resources to deal with it. Such incidents can often by linked and by not reporting arson, we could be missing out on vital evidence which could help catch the culprits. If you witness an incident or have any information which could assist officers in their investigations, please contact us immediately.”

 

All fires should be reported immediately by dialling 999. Any arson incidents you become aware of or suspect to have occurred should be reported to the police on 0845 6060606 and the Arson Task Force on 01924 868074. Any crime can also be reported in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 Any further advice or information can be obtained from Cleckheaton Fire Station on 01274 873066.