Cycle squad on trail of arsonists

CYCLE patrols are are being used by police and fire fighters in an effort to prevent arson attacks.

Police Community Support Officers from Rotherham North Safer Neighbourhood Team have been pedal pushing alongside South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s Community Support Officers to keep tabs on areas vulnerable to deliberate setting during the summer months.

With fields and wooded areas becoming tinder dry patrols have centred around Kimberworth and have seen the two-wheeled team dealing with anyone behaving antisocially or deliberately attempting to start a fire.

PCSO Paul Newman said: “Going out on bikes makes it a lot easier for us to cover more ground and increase our visibility within the community.

“Carrying out these joint patrols shows great partnership working between the police and fire service and together, the team are able to respond quickly to incidents and tackle the issues that matter most to local residents .”

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s Martin Oldknow, east area group manager, said: “The cycle patrol teams are just one of our weapons in the fight against deliberate fires, which are a massive drain on our resources, cost the tax payer millions of pounds every year and represent a significant safety risk to the public.

“But residents must stay vigilant to the threat of arson and help us maintain these reductions, by telling us about potential arson risks, safely storing their rubbish and reporting fire setters who might be operating in their area.”

Anyone with information about a deliberate fire incident should contact South Yorkshire Police on 0114 220 2020.

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