Shropshire Fire Service see rise in empty commercial building fires
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Mercia police are concerned over the growing number of arson attacks on empty commercial buildings.
Derek Taylor the arson reduction officer said “Since 27th October 2011 there have been four Arson attacks on empty commercial properties in the Oakengates, St Georges, Donnington and Dawley areas of Telford”.
“These arson attacks have the potential to cause death and injury as these buildings are sometimes used be the homeless who may be in the building and can also spread to adjacent buildings risking the lives of the occupants and firefighters who will be called to deal with these fires.”
West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are offering advice on how to prevent empty properties becoming targets of arson and theft.
“Owners of these types of properties are requested to reduce the risk to their buildings and land from being used for antisocial behaviour/crime and illegal fly tipping by following a few simple rules” said Derek.
More information on preventing empty properties becoming targets of arson and theft.
