MINDLESS arsonists are putting West Howe residents in danger and jeopardising community efforts to revitalise the area.

That’s the claim by police and fire officials, who are asking community-minded residents to help them cut the number of deliberate fires being started in the area.

Police patrols have been stepped up in the area but residents are being warned they need to play their part and report suspicious behaviour and keep an eye on their children.

Between April 1 and October 22 this year, there have been 33 malicious fires in the area, compared to 27 in the same period the year before.

There were a spate of arson attacks on bins and playground during the summer and just last weekend a pregnant mum living in Cunningham Place awoke to find her bins and parked banger car had been set on fire. A nearby bin store in Moore Avenue was also set alight that weekend.

The mum, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I was woken up by the sound of crackling and I just panicked when I saw the fire. Fortunately my boyfriend was staying so I wasn’t on my own.

“We called 999 but we were very worried about smoke coming into the house or the fire spreading. It is frightening when you think what could have happened but I don’t think the people starting these fires think about that, I don’t think they care.”

Sergeant Andy Edwards, of North Bournemouth police, said: “Needless to say, these incidents are extremely dangerous and it’s fortunate that no-one has been seriously hurt as a result of such unacceptable behaviour.”

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service has a firesetters service, where two trained advisors can provide information and advice to children showing an interest in starting fires.

Dave Graham, station manager at Redhill Park, appealed to parents or carers to contact them if their child comes home smelling of smoke or starts showing an interest in fire.

He said: “Arson is a mindless act which can not only cause serious damage but also ties up our crew’s time and resources when they could be dealing with a real emergency.

“Starting a fire is extremely dangerous for the individuals involved, it can also be harmful to people who are really in danger and need our help.”

For more information on firesetters, email firesetters@dorsetfire.gov.uk or call 01305 252600. To report information to Dorset Police call 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.

Some of the recent malicious fires in West Howe include:

  • Three incidents on 18 August 2012 – a slide in the playground in Moore Avenue was set alight at 3.30am, a bin was set alight in Draper Road at 3.30pm and a bin in Moore Avenue was extinguished at 10pm.
  • A further bin fire in Moore Avenue at 4.30pm on August 23.
  • Another bin fire in Moore Avenue at 9.55pm on September 1.
  • A banger racing car and wheelie bin set alight at Cunningham Place at 1.30am on Saturday, October 20.
  • A bin shed set alight at 3.40am on Sunday, October 21.

Toni Hammond, of Springwater Road, said: “Our bins were set alight once so I’m not surprised the fire and police are trying to tackle the problem. I just keep myself to myself and try to stay out of the way. I’ve only lived here a few months but you quite often hear sirens and stuff.”

Daryl Venner, of Cunningham Crescent, said: “I’ve lived here for four years and we’ve had problems in the past but I thought things were getting better lately. It’s a minority of people who have got nothing better to do.”

Warren Carson, of Holloway Avenue, said: “It does concern me but I think it is just one of many problems you get when you live on an estate. It needs to be sorted out otherwise it could end with someone getting injured or killed.”

Diane Humphries, manager of the Inspiring Change shop, said: “I know there have been a few more incidents lately and the fire brigade and police are aware of it and dealing with it.

“I don’t think it’s a big problem around here, you get these incidents everywhere, it’s not confined just to this area. Most people are proud of the area and take a lot of pride in keeping it nice.”