POLICE are stepping up surveillance and patrols on The Snipes, near to Astley Cross and The Walshes estate in Stourport, after nine fires in the past fortnight.
Wyre Forest Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are investigating the blazes which have all happened since June 27 and are believed to have been started deliberately.
In some cases, youths wearing masks and face coverings have been seen in the area.
Police officers are urging the public to help them catch the culprits and will also be engaging with owners when the land affected is private.
Sgt Matt Ling, from Wyre Forest Police Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), said: “It goes without saying that starting fires deliberately in tinder dry grassy areas can cause a lot of damage and potential risk to surrounding buildings, especially with the heatwaves we have been having recently, as well as being a waste of time and resources for the emergency services.
“We would appeal for anyone who may have caught the incidents on their mobile phone to share the footage with us. If you have CCTV footage of people going to and from the area at the time of the fires, please share that footage with us.”
He urged people to email him at: [email protected] or the SNT at: [email protected] if they had witnessed incidents or had CCTV footage at the time of the fires.
Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report what they know.
Story by Tilly Kellaway.
