Issued in association with Thames Valley Police

11 August 2009

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses and urging residents to be vigilant after an arson in Waddesdon.

On Thursday last week, a bin belonging to Waddesdon Village Hall was set on fire. Officers were alerted to the fire by Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service at 4.29am, who were already at the scene and had extinguished the fire.

Police have launched an investigation and are working with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's Arson Task Force to try to identify the person responsible and they are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Karen Lock, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's arson intelligence officer, said: "As well as being a drain on emergency service resources, these deliberate fires can sometimes spread to adjoining houses or properties, putting lives at risk. They can also blight the neighbourhoods they happen in."

Officers investigating the arson do not believe this fire is linked to the fire which occurred at Vale Tyres two months ago.

Officers have been carrying out high visibility patrols as a reassurance to residents and, with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, have been visiting residents and offering fire and crime prevention advice as well as a free smoke alarm.

Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Gareth Morley, investigating the fire, said: “We are asking local residents to be extra vigilant for any unusual behaviour in their area, especially anyone who may be out and about after midnight.

“To help reduce the chance of your property being targeted, I would advise people to move their wheelie bins out of sight and secure them away from buildings.

“I will be working with community leaders and local businesses to try and identify those responsible. I need the help of the village in order to do this though and ask anyone who may have information to either speak to me or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”

If anyone has any information they are urged to contact PC Morley at Waddesdon Police Station. He can be contacted via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or email the Waddesdon neighbourhood team at waddesdonstation@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

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

If you would like crime prevention advice, contact the Waddesdon neighbourhood team on the number or email above. If you would like a free home safety check with free smoke alarms fitted where necessary, contact Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service on 01296 744477 or by email at cs@bucksfire.gov.uk