A SPATE of arson attacks in Kingsmead could be linked to similar fires in the Northwich area in the past few weeks.
All the blazes so far have been small ones involving targets such as For Sale signs, wheelie bins and refuse containers, and almost all have occurred during the early hours.
Apart from the obvious dangers they present to nearby properties, the fires tie up valuable firefighting equipment which could be needed if there was a major fire in the area.
In the latest incident, four wheelie bins were set on fire during an hour-long wrecking spree on the Kingsmead estate which occurred in the early hours of Friday.
A few days earlier several For Sale signs were set on fire outside houses in Navigation Road and The Crescent.
During a two-week period there were nine incidents involving skips and rubbish bins in the Castle area.
Leading firefighter Barry Rose said: 'It is possible that the people who started the fires on Castle have now moved out because of the extra surveillance and are now targeting other areas.'
Police spokesman Nick Hayes has warned people to be extra vigilant, particularly during the Bonfire Night festivities.
He said: 'There have been a number of incidents across the town in recent weeks, and I wonder if the people who are doing this realise just how dangerous their actions could be.
'We would warn people to be careful with where they leave their rubbish during the next few weeks.'
In a bid to thwart the arsonists, the fire service has issued the following guidelines to residents and businesses in areas at risk: Rubbish or rubbish containers should not be stored less than six metres from a building. Wheelie bins should be locked away from any building or openings. Rubbish or other combustibles should be stored in caged areas away from the building. All rubbish and rubbish containers should be regularly removed from the site to prevent a build-up of materials.
If you feel you are at risk from arson or require further information, call Northwich fire brigade on 01606 42283 for free advice.
