CCTV installed at multi following spate of fires

CCTV cameras have been installed in a Dundee multi following a spate of fire-raising incidents.

Dundee City Council is installing the system, which incorporates hi-tech 360-degree cameras, in Lansdowne Court, Lochee, as a security measure in addition to the existing on-site caretakers.

It follows similar work carried out at the Adamson Court and Elders Court multis in February.

Lansdowne has been the site of several cases of fire-raising — the most recent of which saw a pram set alight, put in a lift and sent to the thirteenth floor.

The incident, reported in the Tele, caused extensive damage.

Gary Pirie, vice-chairman of the Phoenix Tenants Association, said he was “hopeful” that the cameras would make a difference.

He said: “There have been incidents across the board at the multis in Lochee over the last year or so.

“It’s basically fires in confined spaces, inside the tower blocks.

“I’ve lost count of how many fires there have been.”

Residents have also had their doors and buzzers burnt by culprits who — until now — have been difficult to identify.

Gary, who has lived at Lansdowne Court for 11 years, added: “People speak to me about it when we pass in the close.

“There are a lot of families with kids here — t hat’s my main concern.

“We all felt safe here until the fires started.”

He believes that those responsible are choosing to strike when caretakers are off-site.

He said: “These fires have all been started when there is no caretaker on.

“There is a six-hour gap between the night shift finishing and the dayshift starting, and a two-hour gap during the day.

“That is when things seem to be happening.

“People are less likely to be caught then.

“With the cutbacks, I know it’s difficult to have that support round the clock.

“The cameras have been installed and they are up and running.

“I’m hopeful that they will make a difference. There is a lot more reassurance.”

Gary added that he hoped residents would come together to combat anti-social behaviour across the Lochee multis.

He said: “I would like to see more folk getting involved with the tenants’ association.

“We can speak to one another more and we can contact the council.

“We just want to feel safe where we live.”

The issue was raised at a meeting of the Lochee Community Planning Partnership.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service watch manager John Wade confirmed that they were aware of the concerns.

The burnt pram, which was deliberately set alight.