Issued in association with Thames Valley Police

2 September 2009

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after an arson in Waddesdon yesterday. Stacks of hay near to the Quainton Road were set on fire between 2pm and 2.30pm.

Quainton Road remains closed to traffic for health and safety reasons while firefighters from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service continue to control the fire.

Police officers in Waddesdon are investigating a series of fires which have occurred since April and are working with other organisations, including Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, to identify the people responsible.

Operation Arrow, a multi-agency approach, has been set up to tackle the arsons which have occurred in Waddesdon. Officers have been carrying out regular patrols in the surrounding area and have been working closely with Waddesdon Parish Council, Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury Vale District Council, Buckinghamshire County Council and Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service to share information and work together.

Firefighters and community safety staff from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service have been visiting local residents and offering fire and crime prevention advice, as well as a free smoke alarms, and Buckinghamshire County Council youth workers are helping to engage with the local children.

Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Gareth Morley, said: “I urge residents and businesses in Waddesdon to be vigilant for any unusual behaviour in the area.

“I also need anyone who may have information about the arsons that have been occurring to contact me or call Crimestoppers anonymously.

“I will continue to work with community leaders and local businesses to try and identify those responsible, but I need the help of the village in order to do this.”

Anyone with information relating to any of the arsons in Waddesdon is urged to contact PC Morley at Waddesdon police station via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

If you do not want to talk to the police, call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Firefighters are offering to carry out free fire safety checks in people’s homes, fitting free smoke alarms where necessary.

If you would like to book one of these checks, which normally take about 30 minutes, ring 01296 744477, email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form at www.bucksfire.gov.uk/bucksfire/free

Simple fire safety and prevention tips

• Fit smoke alarms on each level in your home
  
  
• Test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week and change them every year – never remove them
  
  
• Make sure any cigarettes are completely out and are disposed of carefully
  
  
• Be prepared by making a plan of escape
  
  
• Do not tackle a fire yourself - leave it to the professionals. Get out, stay out and call 999
  
  
• At bedtime, check that all appliances in your home and garden are turned off and your home is secure
  
  
• Keep your bins and other household waste out of sight and away from buildings.