Wilmslow firefighters are carrying out a targeted campaign to lower the level of arson, which had risen considerably, within the town.
After noticing a significant spike in deliberate fires and arson - there were 17 from the end of March 2015 to the end of March this year compared with 23 from the beginning of April this year to date - Wilmslow firefighters have began to focus their attention on areas flagged as having suffered a particularly high amount of incidents.
The firefighters have visited each area, offering key safety advice about how to reduce the risk of arson to properties and local businesses. As well as visiting areas, crews are patrolling the town regularly and engaging with local business owners to ensure they minimise the risk of arson to their establishment.
Watch Manager Ryan Swindells said: "Wilmslow isn't your typical arson hotspot so the number of small fires we've been having recently has had a real impact on the community's perceived risk of fire and antisocial behaviour. There have been over 18 deliberate fires in the last several months. Among other areas, our team are targeting Wilmslow's local shops through performing regular patrols of the shops and surrounding area, and focusing on places of arson risk. We're also working with the PCSO and LA for an effective solution to the problem.
We feel that by using this multi-pronged approach to the problem of arson, we can significantly lower the risk to local people, their homes and their places of work. As Wilmslow is such a close community, arsonists could risk endangering their own loved ones and families through starting a deliberate fire."
Through regular patrols, and through working with shop owners, visibility has been significantly increased and key safety advice has been given. Since starting the campaign there has been a reduction in the amount of deliberate fires within the town.
Ryan continued: "We'd like to thank everyone for their cooperation in helping to reduce this figure and would like to ask the residents of Wilmslow to continue to stay vigilant and to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 if they do see anything suspicious. Together, we can stamp out arson in our town."
If you have any information about deliberate fires in Wilmslow, call Crime Stoppers on 0844 770 6997. All calls are anonymous.
Photo: Firefighter Usman Akhtar giving safety advice to a Wilmslow business owner.
