Published date: 22 April 2016 |
Published by: Staff reporterRead more articles by Staff reporterEmail reporter
Steve Jones (@HomeGrownWxm / Twitter)
SOMETHING must be done before someone is killed or seriously hurt in an arson attack on a Wrexham estate.
That was the call from Cllr Keith Gregory after a fire destroyed one vehicle and damaged another in Caia Park yesterday.
Cllr Gregory, who represents Smithfield ward on Wrexham Council, called for a stronger police presence and greater public vigilance after the early morning blaze on St Giles Crescent.
He said: “It’s just shocking that these idiots are burning cars.
“Someone must know something. How long is it going to be before someone is murdered or seriously hurt?
He added PCSOs were seen in Caia Park, but he and residents did not see “actual police officers” on foot on
the estate.
Firefighters were called at about 2.40am yesterday after a Vauxhall car was set ablaze in St Giles Crescent, Caia Park.
Cllr Gregory, who lives on nearby Colwyn Road, said neighbours told him the noise from the fire was so bad they initially thought their houses were being broken into.
Resident Kim Powell, 29, told how she saw “explosions” as the fire reached the engine of the first car, before it spread to another Vauxhall next to it.
Miss Powell said if the fire had spread to any more cars, debris may have shot into the windows of nearby houses.
She added: “I’m glad the fire didn’t spread to any more cars. It was pretty scary.
“I’m just glad everyone was okay and no one was hurt.”
Miss Powell said she had never seen a car fire on St Giles Crescent before and added: “It’s horrible. My two children are scared stiff now.”
Firefighters had dealt with the fire by about 3.45am, she added.
Other St Giles Crescent residents said they were disgusted at the actions of whoever started the blaze.
One said there had not been a car arson near St Giles Crescent for about 10 years, and did not know why anyone would do it.
Another said: “I don’t think it’s fair. They spent money on those cars and people burn them.”
The fire severely damaged the first Vauxhall and damaged the bumper, lights and boot of the second
A North Wales Police spokesman confirmed the fire was being investigated as arson.
Anyone with information can call North Wales Police on 101, quoting incident reference U056914, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
INSP Simon Kneale said “significant resources” had been allocated on directed patrols in various areas of Wrexham town to “tackle local issues”.
There had been a large number of arsons in Caia Park, he said, but a large number of the fires were committed by one man.
He added: “Alan Evans was identified as the perpetrator, arrested by North Wales Police, successfully convicted and remains serving a prison sentence. Since this conviction, we have seen a marked decrease in arsons and unfortunately this is blighted by a small minority of individuals who are intent on committing crime within their communities.
“We also responded to significant demands in the area, which has seen the Caia’s Safer Neighbourhood Team increased, resulting in a reduction in anti-social behaviour and burglary.
“This should not be underestimated – the fact that in April there were 217 fewer homes burgled in Wrexham and Flintshire shows the positive work that is ongoing.”
Insp Kneale said councillors and residents had told him the situation in Caia Park was “much better”.
He added: “I can only put this down to the increased presence of officers, along with the targeting of individuals who cause the most harm. Three local councillors recently commented to me they had never known it so peaceful!
“The police officers and PCSOs in Wrexham Town remain motivated and enthusiastic and have their communities at heart. They work tirelessly across a large area, not only tackling problem individuals, but speaking to their communities and I would like to see this positive engagement continuing.”
Insp Kneale said North Wales Police relied on the “eyes and ears of the community” to help them.
He added: “Officers cannot be on every street at all times of the day and so I prioritise patrol locations and times in order to maximise the opportunities of preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. The local Safer Neighbourhood Team officers are on hand to address concerns and their contact details are on our website.”
Insp Kneale said he was “disappointed there are some out there who continue to ignore the warnings both the police and fire service regularly send out”.
Of the St Giles Crescent fire, he said: “A car was targeted in a residential area which had the potential to endanger residents and will have a devastating effect on a local family. I wonder if the real consequences are ever actually considered.”
The inspector said officers ”will be speaking to as many of the community as we can” and added: “I ask you support us in identifying those responsible. “Deliberate fire-setters must be stopped and with your help I am confident we will do that.”
see-http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/161257/anger-as-arsonists-strike-again-on-caia-park-estate.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment