Police appeal for public help in fight against arson

Police and fire officers are calling for the public’s help in preventing arson attacks across Cambridgeshire.

The plea is part of Cambridgeshire Police’s #SaferSummer campaign at a time when arson offences are more common due to warm, dry weather, school holidays and harvest season, when hay bales are deliberately set on fire.

Sgt Craig Flavell, from the force’s rural crime action team (RCAT), said: “Stack fires can destroy properties, kill livestock and put people in the nearby area at risk.

“I would urge anyone who sees suspicious behaviour, particularly around vulnerable locations such as hay stacks, to call police and if a crime is taking place, call 999.”

To help prevent stack fires, farm workers are urged to store hay away from the road and keep fuel, fertilisers and pesticides locked away.

Station commander Pete Jones, arson liaison officer for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fires started deliberately like this pose significant issues for us.

“Not only do they present a risk to our crews, but the crews committed here are not available to respond to other emergencies.

“This is very frustrating as fires like this are avoidable and could delay our response to another emergency.”

To report a deliberate fire, call the police on 101 in a non-emergency, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or 999 if it is an emergency.