Crimestoppers is offering a £1,000 reward for information after a rise in arson attacks

Across County Durham, especially in Peterlee, Shotton Colliery and Horden, there has been a rise in the amount of incidents where fires have been started deliberately.

Houses have been set ablaze, cars set alight on people’s driveways, businesses attacked and even groups of cars which have all been set on fire at the same time.

The independent charity Crimestoppers is prepared to offer a reward of up to £1,000 for information that will lead to people answering for their crimes.

Ruth McNee is the North East regional manager at Crimestoppers, she highlights the damage that arson attacks can have on people’s lives.

She said: “Arson is such a dangerous and life-threatening crime. During these challenging times, it’s incredible to think that people are wilfully and deliberately setting off fires in our county.

“In some cases, we’re learned that criminals are using arson as a method of revenge and as a form of intimidation.

“This sort of behaviour is unacceptable. Even if no one is hurt or killed, arson can leave people homeless and penniless.

"We need people in these communities to speak out against arson, to tell us what they know – hence why we are offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information to help prevent future fires from damaging communities and threatening lives."

Sharon Alderson is a detective inspector at Peterlee CID, she has urged anyone with information to contact the independent charity, claiming that support from members of the public are a key tool for tackling crime.

She added: “Arson has no place in our communities and we will do everything in our power to target the reckless individuals who fail to appreciate the devastation it can cause.

“As police officers, one of the most important tools in tackling crime is, and has always been, help and support from members of the public and I’d encourage any person with information relating to arson to get in touch with us as early as possible.

“Your anonymous report could stop a fire and save a life.”

Lee Aspery is the fire investigation, arson reduction and young people manager at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, he says that arson devastates communities and also encourages members of the public to get in touch with Crimestoppers.

He commented: “Arson destroys and devastates our communities, we are determined tackle deliberate fire crime.

“Information from members of our communities who are the ones most affected by this crime is essential in bringing perpetrators to justice.

"Therefore we would encourage anyone that can help, to contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously”.

Anyone who may have information relating to arson in County Durham can contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

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