Police investigate FIVE separate arson attacks around Bodmin within weeks
Officers say multiple vehicles have been destroyed or damaged beyond repair
Last updated 23rd Sep 2021
Police are carrying out extra patrols after a spate of arson attacks in Bodmin.
Officers are investigating five separate fires over the last few weeks.
10 vehicles, including cars and vans, have been completely destroyed.
Devon and Cornwall Police say they are keeping an open mind as to whether the blazes are linked.
The force is appealing for the community's help to catch the culprits, urging locals to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.
When do we know about the attacks?
A van and car were destroyed by fire in Truro Road, Lanivet, at around 4.15am on Saturday 18th September.
Three vehicles were written-off by a blaze in Robartes Road, Bodmin, between 3am and 3.20am on Tuesday 7th September.
A car was set alight in Vivian Road, Bodmin, between 1.30am and 2.20am on Monday 30th August.
Another four vehicles were damaged beyond repair by separate acts of arson in Robartes Road and Harleigh Road respectively between 12.45am and 1.10am on Sunday 22nd August.
Inspector Regie Butler-Card said: “Bodmin has suffered a spate of arson attacks during August and September.
“We are reviewing all recent incidents of arson within the area to ascertain if they are linked.
“The arsons are random and there appears to be no specific pattern, or motivation for them.
“We remain open-minded if there are links between the offences.
“As a result of these we have increased our patrols and are working with partners to investigate them and to bring the offender, or offenders, to justice.
“We need the help of our community though; it is with their help we will solve this".
Inspector Butler-Card added: “Please be vigilant and if you notice any suspicious behaviour, please call us immediately to report it.
“For those with private CCTV, please regularly review it for any suspicious activity.
“We would also ask commercial drivers who are travelling at night to report anything suspicious or untoward they see.
“Arson is still a rare event, despite these incidents, and the chance of becoming a victim of crime is still very low in Bodmin and Wadebridge; they are safe towns to live and work in".
Contact police with information by calling 101, or emailing 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference CR/081089/21.
Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via the Crimestoppers website.