Some new signs will help Hertfordshire residents to assist the police and fire service in catching arsonists and deterring others from deliberately setting fires.

The new arson reduction sign boards, funded by the St Albans City and District Community Safety Partnership, are based on the existing police notices which ask the public for information after incidents or road collisions. They will be prominently displayed close to arson incidents, requesting the public to contact Crimestoppers if they can provide any information.

Crew Commander Jamie Thomson, who came up with the idea, said: "The placing of the board close to the incident will also make the arsonist aware that we are proactively seeking information and that this crime will not be ignored. Hopefully it will act as a deterrent to others as well as give a line of communication for local residents."

Cllr Richard Thake, Executive member for Community Safety said: "Arson is extremely dangerous. It puts lives and property at risk. We expect this simple idea to really help by giving the community an easy way of assisting the emergency services in investigating arson incidents and reducing future crimes of this nature."

The signs have been displayed in two locations so far. Working closely with the police, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue will be evaluating their effectiveness over the coming months.

 

Posted October 4th, 2011 at 1240 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com