Police warn about car fires in Chard (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Police warn about car fires in Chard

11:27am Wednesday 20th February 2008 in Chard By Steve Sowden

POLICE and the fire and rescue service are warning that people's lives are being put at risk by arsonists who are targeting cars in Chard.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Lloyd said: "There is a serious danger of these fires spreading to people's homes and there is a risk that the person setting these fires could be hurt.

"Perhaps most importantly these deliberately started fires are putting lives in danger by taking up police and fire crews' time. This could delay the response to other emergencies where people could be trapped."

Neighbourhood Police are working closely with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and the Arson Task Force to tackle the problem.

There have been car fires in Chard on February 3, February 10, February 13 and February 18 in Bath Street, Victoria Avenue, Brian Mooney Close and Bewley Court. Most have been in the early hours, in town centre car parks, at commercial premises, and in residential streets.

Anyone who spots any suspicious activity around cars at any time is urged to call the police immediately on 0845 456 7000.

If anyone has any information which could help police enquiries into the cause of these fires, they can call Crimestoppers, an independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman Janet Booth said: "It must be remembered that arson is a serious crime which causes deaths, injuries and damage to property.

"It is the largest single cause of major fires in the UK and costs England and Wales £2.8-billion annually. It carries a maximum punishment of a life sentence."