Dear Resident,

 Over the last two weeks we have had several small fires in the area of Larch Crescent on Freshney Green. The fires have been set near the area of the wasteland, well away from residential properties, on the disused road. Pieces of wood, twigs and other small items have been used to create the fires. The fire service have been called out on four occasions to put out these small fires, which costs a lot of money and also ties up valuable fire staff and resources when they may well be needed in a genuine emergency elsewhere. Once the fires have been lit, the group of youths involved then run away from the area.

 Through local enquires, CCTV and information from local residents we have managed to identify two of the individuals involved. They have been visited by police and spoken to in front of parents regarding their actions and the possible consequences. The two individuals have now been referred to Humberside Fire and Rescue Service where they will undergo a “Juvenile Firesetters Intervention Scheme” to educate them around the dangers of fire. Enquires are ongoing to identify other members of the group.

 High visibility patrols will continue in this area and we have also worked with the fire service to install signage on nearby lamp-posts, encouraging members of the public to report (anonymously) anyone setting fires via the below phone number.

Regards

Yarborough Ward

Grimsby West Community Policing Team