£1k reward for fire information
The reward has been offered for any information that will lead to the arrest and charge of those responsible for a rise in arson attacks.
Across County Durham, especially in Peterlee, Shotton Colliery and Horden, there has been a rise in the number of incidents where fires have been started deliberately.
H o u s e s h ave b e e n s e t ablaze, cars set alight on people’s driveways, businesses attacked and even groups of cars which have all been set on fire at the same time.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is prepared to offer a reward of up to £1,000 for information that will lead to people answering for their crimes.
Ruth McNee is the North
E a s t reg i o n a l m a n a ge r at Crimestoppers, she highlights the damage that arson attacks can have on people’s lives.
She said: “During these challenging times, it’s incredible to think that people are willfully and deliberately setting off fires in our county.
“I n s o m e c a s e s , w e ’re learned that criminals are using arson as a method of revenge and as a form of intimidation.
"We need people in these communities to speak out against arson, to tell us what they know – hence why we are offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information to help prevent future fires from damaging communities and threatening lives."
Sharon Alderson is a detective inspector at Peterlee CID, she has urged anyone with information to contact the independent charity, claiming that support from members of the public are a key tool for tackling crime.
She added: “As police officers, one of the most important tools in tackling crime is, and has always been, help and support from members of the public and I’d encourage any person with information relating to arson to get in touch with us as early as possible.”
Lee Aspery is the fire investigation, arson reduction and young people manager at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.
He commented: “Information from members of our communities who are the ones most affected by this crime is essential in bringing perpetrators to justice.”
Anyone who may have information relating to arson in County Durham can contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at www.crimestoppersuk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.